Our Staff

Leslie Grant, (B.S. Social Work) Operations Coordinator

Now 23, Leslie began her work with Sistas on the Rise when she was 15 yearsold. Leslie, a young mother and former student at the Martha Nelson School for Pregnant and Parenting Students, helped to organize other young mothers in the school (to hold the New York City’s Department of Education accountable for providing teen mothers better educational options). She organized to maintain the school open in 2002. And in the Fall of 2003, Leslie was invited to join Sistas on the Rise’s Leadership Circle. Leslie is a loving and devoted mother of a beautiful 4 year old son named Demein. In the four years, that Leslie has been with Sistas on the Rise, she has had the opportunity to engage with youth from all over the world and bring the perspectives and struggles of young mothers to the national landscape.

Leslie is a member of the Block Network and traveled to Brazil in 2005 for the World Social Forum. Leslie was a delegate member of NAS (North Americans in Solidarity), which was the largest delegation of U.S. Youth of Color to attend the 2005 Social Forum. Leslie is currently SOTR’s Operations Coordinator. She is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Social work. Leslie’s is passionate and committed to working with women of color and low-income women. She is part the Community Birthing Project. She participated in their Doula Trainings and has supported several young women during their births. Leslie’s goal is to continue her education and ultimately become a nurse- midwife.

Crystal Guerra, Youth Organizer

Crystal Guerra has been with SOTR for three years and had a beautiful baby boy Demmetri, in June of 2009. She is an empowered young 19 year old mother. Crystal inspiring both her peers and her community and  is now Bronx Regional High School graduate. Crystal Guerra started as a woman in the Leadership Development Program and leading a street theater piece with her peers. She was brought into the Leadership Circle in February of 2008 and has been a standing symbol of the youth empowerment movement ever since. Crystal looks forward to fighting for the rights of young mothers by bringing her unique perspective to the organization and the campaigns.

Sasha D. Osorio, Childcare & Outreach Coordinator

Sasha joined Sistas on the Rise in march 2009 at the age of eighteen. She has been doing childcare for the Leadership Development Program, She is also a part of our organizing Street team. She moved to NYC from Puerto Rico in January 2009 after graduating from High School. She is attending college student at Hosts Community college taking up Radiologic Technology. She has a big heart for children and loves the work she does. Sasha works for Sistas on the Rise with high goals of putting her best effort to fight for the rights of teen mothers giving them a brighter future and many successful moves.

Christina M. Virgo (B.A. Public Communications) Community Organizer

Christina joined SOTR in 2009, after over 8 years of organizing against the occupation in Iraq, illegal animal testing, deforestation, police brutality and hunger and homelessness issues. Christina is a student at the Brooklyn Law School and is a dedicated activist who continues to fight for social justice. She blends her degree with innovative organizing through radical cheerleading, street theater, peer advocacy and strategic campaign planning. She is a NY native an Ameri-corps Alumni, and trained legal observer. Christina is happy to bring her love, energy and past organizing experiences to Sistas on the Rise. 

                   “Get psyched! Get Pissed! Raise up your fist!”