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The Leslee J. Clement Scholarship Fund, established by her daughter Nicole, honors a mother's legacy of kindness, generosity, and service. The fund provides scholarships to Hope High School seniors with financial need, prioritizing support to African American students pursuing higher education.

"She was amazing, a bright light dimmed before its time," reflects Nicole about her mother, who passed away from lung cancer in 2010 at the age of 62. "She loved her family and friends. She was both nurturing and empathetic. The one with the gentle demeanor in our family, the one who held everyone together."

Leslee's story is one of dedication and service. She was born into a family of 13 children of Cape Verdean descent, grew up in the Fox Point and Smith Hill sections of Providence. After her father died, she helped her mother, Marion, a nurse’s assistant, care for her younger siblings tapping into her innate ability to provide emotional support, guidance, and encouragement. She graduated from Hope High School and earned an associate's degree from CCRI. She married her high school sweetheart, Michael, and had two children, Regina and Nicole. With her nurturing spirit, she supported her husband’s success as the first African American City Clerk for the City of Providence and encouraged her daughters to lead with kindness while reaching for the stars. 

Throughout her career, Leslee demonstrated a commitment to serving others. She served as a Head Teller and Mortgage Specialist at Bank of New England-Old Colony and Chief Hearing Officer at the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission, where she skillfully resolved customer issues and concerns before retiring in 2010. After her passing, a hearing room was named in her honor for her dedication and exceptional service.

"She was a loving person," Nicole says. "Everyone who knew her thought she was sweet, kind and considerate." One of Nicole’s fondest memories is of her mother offering a ride to an elderly stranger. When asked by her daughters if she knew the woman, Leslee replied, "No, but she needed my help." Leslee's altruism continues to influence Nicole in her own community work, as she serves on the Board of Commissioners of the Providence Housing Authority, and as President of the Greater Providence (RI) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. "It was my mother who first taught me how fulfilling it could be assisting people find solutions to their problems," says Nicole.

This year will mark the 15th anniversary of Leslee’s passing, making it a meaningful moment to establish the scholarship fund. Nicole always intended to honor her mother with a scholarship but did not know where to start. "The Foundation provided the perfect opportunity and working with the Development team made my experience both rewarding and stress-free," she reflects.

Leslee’s legacy continues to shine brightly through her children and family. "My mom was my biggest supporter and my source of inspiration,” shares Nicole, General Counsel at Beacon Communities LLC, a real estate firm. “She always allowed me to discover solutions on my own, gently encouraging me to find answers independently. It made her not only the best mom but also an incredible mentor.”