Alexis Smyser-DeLeon

Alexis Smyser–De Leon was born and raised in Chicago’s historically Puerto Rican neighborhood, Humboldt Park. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School where she became certified in research methodologies and campaign science, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Urban Studies from UIC.

While at the Harris School Alexis was the only Latino student from Chicago in her class out of over 500 students. This motivated Alexis to co-found and co-chair the Association of Latino Students for Social Justice, a new student organization that now functions as the university’s premiere space for hosting Latino speaker events, Latino networking, and Latino policy advocacy. Over the past two years, Alexis has worked as an independent Communication Consultant focusing solely on supporting Latino candidates running for State and local office.

Today, Alexis works full-time as Director of Policy and Zoning for the 26th Ward Aldermanic office. In addition to her government and political work, Alexis hosts and produces a Field Foundation-awarded podcast called "Sistematic", which is focused on uplifting the stories of women of color and gender-nonconforming people who are making an impact in Chicago’s creative, activist, and business communities.