Leslie
Cubias
PALS California Regional Program Manager
Hi PALS Programs community! My name is Leslie (she/her/hers), and I’m thrilled to join PALS as the new California Regional Program Manager. I’ve spent over 15 years working in the nonprofit sector, focusing on education, youth development, and program leadership. Much of my work has centered on equity, mentorship, and creating meaningful connections. I’m passionate about empowering young people and deeply believe in the transformative power of inclusive programming and community belonging.
I began my journey at the University of California, Riverside, earning a B.A. in Psychology while interning with a local school district to support opportunity youth on their path to graduation. From there, I continued on to California State University, San Bernardino, where I completed a dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management and Marketing. Throughout college, I worked in various tutoring and in-home support roles, fostering growth and confidence in young learners.
After graduate school, I briefly entered the for-profit sector as an underwriting manager, providing financial support to community members. Soon after, I returned to my nonprofit roots and to my high school alma mater as a Site Coordinator for Youth Action Project (YAP), where I had the opportunity to run and provide after school programming. Youth Action Project (YAP) provides youth and young adults with transformative experiences coupled with professional development training, career coaching, and paid work experience. I later became the Assistant Director of Programming, overseeing AmeriCorps, after-school, and workforce development programming and initiatives.
I had the privilege of working with youth aged 16–25 experiencing homelessness, incarceration, and foster care and supported in connecting them with employment and educational opportunities and offering wraparound support. Whether shopping for interview clothing, exploring career pathways, or simply being a supportive listener, I aimed to empower youth to define and pursue their own success. Witnessing their resilience and growth remains one of the most meaningful experiences.
I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of PALS and continue the journey of building spaces of belonging, empowerment, and joy. While I’m still gaining experience with the Down syndrome community, I am honored to learn and grow alongside everyone at PALS.
In my free time, you can usually find me with my two children, always up to an adventure—whether we’re at the park, cheering for my daughter at her volleyball games, visiting family, or enjoying a day at a theme park!
I’m truly excited to be part of the PALS community and can’t wait to build lasting connections with you all.