Alumna’s Leadership of Sixers Youth Foundation Goes Above and Beyond
City & State Pennsylvania honored Leslie M. Walker CCAS’86 for excellence in community service
Leslie M. Walker CCAS’86 has spent her career working on behalf of the children and families of the Philadelphia region, and her current role is no exception. As executive director of the Sixers Youth Foundation—the nonprofit extension of the Philadelphia 76ers—she works to develop enriching programs for children throughout Philadelphia and South Jersey.
Walker’s longstanding dedication to public service was recognized by City & State Pennsylvania as a 2025 “Above & Beyond” honoree. The award celebrates women who demonstrate exemplary leadership in their respective fields and make significant contributions to society through businesses, nonprofits, or public-sector work. The magazine is the leading publication covering public affairs across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Since 2021, Walker has led the Sixers Youth Foundation, which partners with community organizations to strengthen children's well-being and social-emotional development through education and sports-based programs. Over the past year, the foundation has committed $1.74 million in grant funding to 16 community partners, impacting more than 59,000 young people in the region.
Walker was also instrumental in developing the partnership between Rutgers–Camden and the 76ers, which led to an internship program launched in 2024 for students seeking careers in the sports industry.
After graduating from Rutgers–Camden with a bachelor’s degree in urban studies, Walker earned a master's degree in organizational development from St. Joseph’s University. Before joining the 76ers, she served in multiple leadership roles at public and nonprofit institutions like the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Please Touch Museum.
“I know what it's like to be on the other side of nonprofits—looking for grant dollars to support these activities," Walker said. “It’s the kind of work that gets me up in the morning, just knowing I’m out there helping children and families.”
