08/05/2026
Congratulations to NRCA Board member Leslie M. Demus, who will be honored as a Community Champion -- along with Liz & Tony Aiello and Ally Gallin -- at the New Rochelle Council of Community Services annual Celebratory Breakfast on Friday, June 5th from 8:30 am to 10 am at the Davenport Mansion. Tickets cost $50 from: https://givebutter.com/NRCCSBreakfast2026
or by visiting our website at: https://www.nrccs.org/
Leslie M. Demus has been a member of the New Rochelle Public Library “family” for more than 25 years. As a member of the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation, Inc. she has contributed as a fundraiser, spokesperson, and creative thinker to modernize technology, create quality programming, develop special projects, and ensure quality service for library patrons. Leslie also served two 5-year terms on the Board of Trustees for the New Rochelle Public Library; she was elected as both the Board’s President and Vice-President during that time.
Leslie’s passion for music led her to help develop a project called Cantiamo Insieme! (Let’s Sing Together!) with the Grimes Performing Arts Magnet School in neighboring Mt. Vernon. The project brought Lincoln Center performers to the school stage to introduce inner city children to opera. As part of the program, Leslie created an afterschool Italian program. The 3 -year project culminated in the student production of an original opera.
Leslie has also been a member of the Board of the New Rochelle Council on the Arts since 2014 and served for a number of years on the African-American Arts & Cultural Appreciation Council. She is President of The Billy Strayhorn Foundation, Inc. which celebrates the music and life of composer, arranger, and pianist Billy Strayhorn. The foundation supports this purpose through live music performance, lectures, symposia, and scholarships. Leslie received the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year-Community Service award in 2007.
Leslie believes that it is important to volunteer. “ Volunteering gives you the chance to share something special about yourself ..your love of reading or music or dance or sports or quantum physics….with someone else. Volunteering allows you to provide opportunities for others to experience moments of wonder. Volunteering is a gift. A gift that you give yourself.”
A graduate of Barnard College and Columbia University School of Law, Leslie spent almost 20 years in advertising and was a Vice President/Senior Attorney at Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide.
Ms. Demus met her husband, Ralph C. Dawson, in law school. Ralph is a retired partner in the law firm of Norton Rose Fulbright, and the couple have two sons.
Join us to honor community champions Liz & Tony Aiello, Leslie Demus and Ally Gallin
