Leslie Helmcamp, SCY’s Associate Director, Policy is responsible for leading analysis, development, promotion and implementation of policy and system change strategies to prevent violence in Chicago. Her role includes co-managing the Juvenile Justice Collaborative, an innovative program designed to help young people who have been arrested to access community services and avoid further involvement with the justice system. Over the past 17 years, Leslie has worked as a policy advocate to promote economic opportunity for low-income families, including improving college access and completion, promoting workforce and skills development, and supporting families to become more financially secure. Her most recent work includes supporting juvenile justice reform efforts and advocating for increased investments in Illinois’ youth. Leslie earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. Before pursuing graduate work, Leslie served as the director of the Immigration Legal Services program of Catholic Charities of Central Texas where she provided direct services to immigrant families.
