Name: Leslie Azurdia McReynolds
Twitter: @nkfarizona
Facebook: @nkfarizona
Instagram: @nkfarizona
Website: www.azkidney.org
Age: 40
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Married/Single: Married
Kids: 1
City you live in: Phoenix
A typical day in my life includes… Waking up fast to our energetic, 4-year-old alarm clock, making a coffee, immediately forgetting about said coffee, combining forces with my husband to get our son ready and off to school, then jumping straight into the work day. Though no two days in nonprofit look the same, each day includes revisiting strategy, project timelines, the needs of the patients we serve, and the needs of the foundation and its dynamic staff. Evenings end with one last visit of the task list and a bedtime story or three.
I was born… in Los Angeles, CA.
My favorite thing about Arizona… we’re steps away from desert, but only a few hours from mountains, lakes, snow, or beach.
I’m listening to… a random rotation of Wham!, John Coltraine, and true crime podcasts with a splash of Peppa Pig.
My family… is everything to me. I feel incredibly blessed that both my immediate family and my husband’s live here in town. I’m so grateful that my son gets to have close relationships with the people that mean the most to us.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Erma Bombeck. A humorist, a literary icon, a dedicated ERA supporter, a mother, and a kidney patient. An inspiring woman.
One thing I cannot live without… travel.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… a commercial airline pilot.
I’m inspired by… those who help others, expecting nothing in return.
The people who motivate me are… the kidney patients who we serve every day. It takes so much will, positivity, and strength to wake up every morning with a chronic disease, go through constant treatment, and successfully navigate the impacts to your life and your family. They deserve to have their lives made lighter in every way.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… more kindness and compassion.
The perfect day would be… one spent by the ocean with family, friends, music, great food, no agenda.
My first job was… as a hostess at Mimi’s Café. The teal cummerbund and bowtie were a whole look.
My favorite escape… rewatching Pride & Prejudice for the 543rd time.
My life… is incredibly blessed. A loving family, good health, and a career of service.
I’m currently working on… finding new, diversified ways to support the rapidly growing needs of our Arizona kidney community.
Always… give the benefit of the doubt.
Never… stop learning.
Favorite Quote… “If the world is cold, make it your business to build fires.” Horace Traubel
Biggest Dream… to establish an endowment for the foundation that will guarantee its vital works continue for another 60 years.
My Pet Peeve(s)… incorrect pluralization of/or use of an apostrophe with last names on holiday cards… I know, I know. It’s annoying to me that I’m annoyed by it.
Bio-on yourself/company: Leslie McReynolds is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona (NKF AZ), and has served the foundation for 13 years, including various internal leadership positions prior to the role of CEO. This fall, the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona proudly celebrates 60 years of providing awareness, assistance and hope to Arizonans at-risk and impacted by kidney disease. For more information about the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona and its programs, resources and events, visit www.azkidney.org or call 602-840-1644.
