1. continued…
MICHAEL LESLIE 4740 Connecticut Ave., Apt. 1005  Washington, DC 20008
michael_leslie@me.com  202.248.0393 H  313.613.1823 C
NON-PROFIT PROGRAM MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL
Distinguished career leading development, implementation, and management of high-impact education and training
programs to non-profit, agency, trade union, and civil service organizations.
Visionary and goal-oriented program leader experienced in developing high-impact training curriculum,
writing grant proposals, securing needed funding for educational programs, managing program budgets, and
guiding field staff in all aspects of program implementation. Passion for providing civil service and union
personnel with the training, knowledge, tools, and resources need to effectively perform their jobs, serve their
constituents, and advance organizational and campaign goals. Highly skilled writer and trusted,
knowledgeable advisor to trade unions and civil, human, and women’s rights campaigns.
HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPERTISE
 Labor Education and Leadership Development
 Trade Union Health and Safety Programs
 Research, Writing, & Presentation
 Resourceful, Agile, and Creative in Solving Problems
 Grant Writing & Fundraising
 Program Budget Management
 Gender Equality / Women’s Development
 High-Impact Program Recruitment
CAREER SUMMARY
SOLIDARITY CENTER, AFL-CIO, Washington, D.C.
PROGRAM OFFICER, TRADE UNION STRENGTHENING - Africa (12/2007 to 3/2015)
Served as program manager and chief liaison between the Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO affiliates, and field staff
in implementation of trade union strengthening programs by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and
Labor (DRL), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and National Endowment for Democracy
(NED) in Africa. Led development and implementation of educational programs to strengthen global worker
unions, improve the knowledge and skills of union leaders, promote healthy and safe working conditions,
advance gender and social equality, and bolster the economic and political power of workers throughout
Africa. Scheduled, developed, and managed DRL, USAID, and NED programs with AFL-CIO affiliates, DC
staff, and field office staff.
 Administrated and managed grants donated for DRL, USAID, and NED West Africa initiatives.
 Specialized in advising trade union leaders in the extractive, hotel, and banking industries.
 Provided compelling and enthusiastic instruction in leadership development and strategic planning
to West African trade union partners.
 Developed and wrote successful program grants: $361,000 (DRL) and $495,000 (NED).
 Served as interim Solidarity Center County Program Director in Abuja, Nigeria.
 Collaborated with Center’s Global Outreach staff in creating highly informative and compelling
educational materials—including Degradation of Work reports, articles, annual reports, and
updates—to shed light on important worker rights abuses.
 Developed educational programs and activities to increase awareness of gender equality issues.
 Represented The Solidarity Center as a featured speaker and instructor for four consecutive years
(2011 through 2015) leading health and safety workshops at the United Steel Workers of America
(USW) International Union Health, Safety, and Environment annual conference.
NATIONAL LABOR COLLEGE, Silver Springs, MD
ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR (2011 and 2012)
Developed curriculum and instructed Nigerian trade union partners in international leadership development
and strategic planning.

2. MICHAEL LESLIE Page 2
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY, Detroit, MI
ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR, INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (9/2006 to 5/2007)
Planned and delivered informative lectures to engage undergraduate students in the subject matter, generate
thought-provoking discussion, and inspire students. Assigned and graded work, evaluated and recorded
student performance, and advised students on a range of educational questions and issues.
 Instructed students in “Foreign Cultures: The Africans,” a course focusing on the people,
geography, history, economic issues, art, media, and literary writings of Africa.
 Led “Perspectives on Ethnicity” workshop focused on the dynamics of inter-group relations and
important issues in ethnicity, race, immigration, and gender relations among Native American,
Africans American, Arab, Asian, European, and Latin American communities.
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY | LABOR STUDIES CENTER, Detroit, MI
LABOR SCHOOL COORDINATOR (12/2001 to 12/2006)
Coordinated development, administration, and facilitation of training and leadership development programs
to participants representing 40+ local unions.
 Tripled student enrollment through effective outreach and recruitment of students at work sites,
education fairs, and labor events.
 Created impactful Labor School communication and promotional materials to educate on school
mission, communicate goals, and generate interest. Managed large-scale refresh of Labor School
brochures, handbook, and newsletter.
 Managed all aspects of highly successful Labor School Scholarship fundraising event.
 Delivered diversity training to General Motors Lake Orion Assembly Union Workers, including a
two-week anti-harassment program for skilled tradesand supervisors and a 4-week training
program for Union Leaders titled “Leading a Diverse Union.”
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
LABOR HERITAGE FOUNDATION, AFL-CIO (2015)
Serve as board member, photographer, event planner, and grant writer.
FREELANCE WRITER (1997 to 2010)
Demonstrated strong range as a writer, outstanding research and presentation skills, and exceptional
command of English grammar in managing writing projects for diverse audiences, causes, and media.
 Authored report on “Degradation of Work: Oil Workers in the Niger Delta” (2010).
 Wrote and edited the National Endowment for Democracy Nigeria Newsletter (12/2009).
 Authored book reviews for the UALE Labor Studies Journal (2005 to 2006).
 Published reviews in UAW Solidarity Magazine, Black Scholar, Michigan Citizen, Michigan Chronicle,
Obsidian II, Berkeley Fiction Review (University of California), and the Minnesota Review.
~ Additional valuable experience gained as UAW Local 735 Vice President advancing the interests of more than 8,000
GM union workers. Organized volunteers into a workplace health and safety organization conducting cancer studies,
and educated workers about occupational illness and chemical exposure. ~
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
M.A. IN ENGLISH / CREATIVE WRITING  Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
B.A. IN WRITTEN COMMUNICATION, TV, AND FILM  Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI
AFFILIATIONS: Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU)  Local 2, AFL-CIO United
Automobile Workers of America (UAW)  Coalition of Black Trade Unionist (CBTU)