Leslie

Leslie Valmonte is a leader in equity-centered innovation and human-first AI integration. As founder of Bridge5D, she partners with educational institutions, systems, and workforce leaders to develop human-centered strategies that turn policy into practice and transform systems. As Project Director for AI Initiatives at the Inland Empire Desert Regional Consortium, she creates opportunities for learning, experimentation, and adaptive planning, helping future-ready teams ensure technology expands opportunity rather than limits it. As a member of the U.S. Ambassador Team for the World AI Film Festival in Cannes, France, Leslie is part of a global movement reshaping how stories are told, ideas are shared, and talent is discovered.

With a background spanning policy advocacy, strategy, workforce transformation, and organizational change, Leslie is known for her ability to bridge vision with implementation, helping institutions move from pilots to lasting impact. She grounds her work in the belief that progress must be both smart and soulful, balancing innovation with inclusion.