Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy soon after my birth in France, doctors gave my military parents little hope that I would live a productive life. Thanks to excellent doctors, therapists, teachers and family support after coming to the states at one year old, I graduated from Nathan B. Forrest High School in Jacksonville, Florida in 1971 and was awarded a full four-year college scholarship by the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
My parents and I moved to Tallahassee in June 1971. I graduated from Tallahassee Community College Magna Cum Laude in 1973. I completed TCC's Journalism program and served on the Talon newspaper staff writing features, a biweekly column and assisting in newspaper production. I graduated from Florida State University in 1975 with a BS in Mass Communication with emphasis in print communication and advertising.
The next year was spent in on-the-job training as a script writer at FSU's Instructional TV studio and Media Center.
November 1, 1976 I began an internship in the newly formed public relations department at Goodwill Industries - Big Bend, Inc. and was hired part-time as a public relations specialist on December 20. I was increased to full-time the following month.
I wrote newsletters for employees and supporters as well as fund raising and other public relations until financial difficulties forced the layoff of several staff members in 1982. All PR was curtailed, and I was quickly trained to do all sales and production reports. I was also trained by Auburn University's Continuing Education Program in Method Analysis and Work Measurement to conduct time studies and workplace design as well as Cost Estimating and Contract Procurement. Time not spent with a calculator doing reports, was spent in Goodwill's workshop conducting time studies and work analysis and bidding on contracts.
I was the first staff member at Goodwill Industries - Big Bend to get a computer, and I computerized not only the public relations department, but also sales, production and human resources.
About six years later, more staff were hired and I returned to public relations, including designing publications in desktop publishing. I designed Goodwill's first website in 1998 and their first Intranet (employee website) in 2005. I left Goodwill in 2010.
I run Leslie Communications out of my home which I share with my service dog, Giro (a yellow lab) and cat, Abby.
I am a Tallahassee Community College Distinguished Alumni.
I attend Meridian Woods Church of Christ where I edited and designed a newsletter for ladies of the congregation for two years.
Read more about me in a Tallahassee Democrat article:Battiste-"Goodwill shows off international role model"
Leslie Battiste
Leslie Communications