Leslie Vargas is a versatile social media strategist, content director, and cultural storyteller with a passion for amplifying Black and Indigenous voices and fostering community-driven narratives. As the Social Media Manager for ESSENCE Festival and AFROPUNK, Leslie has created innovative digital strategies that drive engagement and cultural impact—most notably the ESSENCE Festival of Culture 2024 strategy, which garnered 210 million views.Her expertise extends beyond content creation into community building, brand partnerships, and digital advocacy, having collaborated with organizations like Black Girls Code and birthFUND to align messaging with social impact. As the Social Lead for AFROPUNK and ESSENCE Festival and Editor-in-Chief of Decolonial Thoughts, Leslie blends storytelling with strategy to build platforms that challenge dominant narratives and uplift marginalized communities. In addition to her work in media, Leslie is a doula and birth equity advocate. She is dedicated to building a world where BIPOC-birthing people have access to safe, joyous, and empowered birth experiences. A seasoned content creator and video editor, Leslie seamlessly bridges digital strategy with real-world impact, always centering the communities she serves.