photo by steed media service

There aren’t too many things Leslie Bardo can’t do. In 2004, Bardo ran her first marathon. In 2005 she started a blog (lesliewrites.net). And in 2007, Bardo returned to Burrell Communications as the vice president and group director. She is currently working with Walt Disney to bring 100 African American high school students to the resort to take part in an immersion program introducing the students to creative, nontraditional careers.

Toward the end of 2007, Bardo worked diligently with school administrators and public relations departments across the country to recruit students. As the mother of a 16-year-old and a 9-year-old, Bardo says the immersion program, which will take place during Martin Luther King weekend, is something all parents can appreciate.

“I want my sons and kids that I know to be able to experience those types of things and learn something new so that they don’t automatically assume that they have to jump into some very traditional, corporate job,” she says.

As a PR whiz, marketing guru, writer and marathon runner, Bardo knows what it’s like to be unconventional. At the same time, Bardo’s self-confidence and drive keep her motivated (as well as landing her a spot on “Oprah”). “I try to build confidence in other people,” she says, “because I feel that way about myself and I know that if I can do this, anybody can do it.” - gavin philip godfrey

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