Leslie Monter-Casio (They/She)

Student, Cornell University
  • People
  • United States of America

About Leslie Monter-Casio

As a first-generation college student, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, and a member of the Otomí Indigenous community, I have found that my experiences have shaped my commitment to advancing educational opportunity and equity. Growing up in rural Maryland's Eastern Shore and navigating the public education system exposed me to the challenges many students in rural and underserved communities face, while also demonstrating the transformative power of education.

I am a student at Cornell University pursuing a B.S. in Public Policy through the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, with minors in Education, Inequality Studies, and Latino Studies. My academic and professional interests center on education policy, with a particular focus on improving educational outcomes and expanding access for rural and Indigenous students. I firmly believe that education is a fundamental human right and that every student deserves access to affordable, high-quality K–12 education, regardless of their background, geography, or socioeconomic status.

I am always eager to connect with individuals and organizations working to advance educational equity and opportunity. Feel free to reach out at lm953@cornell.edu.

I am a/an:

Undergraduate Leadership & Research Scholar

University

Cornell University

Laidlaw Cohort Year

2026

Research Topic

Education Ethnic & Racial Studies Gender Studies Identity & Belonging Latin American Studies Media & Communications Multiculturalism Society & Culture Sociology

Area of Expertise

Social Sciences

I am from:

United States of America

I speak:

English Spanish

My hobbies/interests are:

Art Cooking/Baking Crafts & DIY Hiking/walking Houseplants/gardening Volunteering

Intro Content

Essay Education Latin American Studies Sociology

The Lessons You Inherit Are Not the Ones You Lead With: Ethical Leadership in the Sierra Otomi-Tepehua

From June to August 2026, I conducted my Leadership in Action (LiA) experience with Psicología y Derechos Humanos (PSYDEH) in Tenango de Doria, Hidalgo, Mexico.

Followers

Topics

Channels contributed to:

News & Events Leadership Social Sciences Scholars' Stories

Rooms participated in:

Cornell University

Details

Online Elsewhere