From: Ithaca NY Family: Blessed with an amazing husband, Alderman JR Clairborne, two beautiful and talented children, son, Kelsey, 15 and daughter, Indira, 4, adoptive mother to Julius Rooks-McBean. Note: if the name is McBean, it’s family. Hobbies: Acting, sewing, writing, reading Volunteer Work: Coordinating team member for Ithaca’s annual Black Heritage celebrations, Juneteenth and Kwanzaa, Former Human Rights Commissioner, Initial organizing team member, Fingerlakes International Dragon Boat Festival Quote to Live By: “I am, was and always will be a catalyst for change. Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth” - Shirley Chisholm and Marian Wright Edelman
A soft-spoken, yet fierce defender of what is just and right, Ms. Leslyn McBean-Clairborne is a wife, mother, social justice activist, respected legislator and talented performer. Although many people may know Leslyn through her tremendously bright personae, gifted performance and comprehensive legislation, many may not know her extensive work as a “foot soldier” who refers to hundreds of people and families by name, who feeds the hungry, shelters the weary and offers aid to those in need. As a former welfare recipient, and a foster and adoptive mother, Leslyn understands the need to balance affordable tax support of public services without putting intolerable pressures on family and individual incomes.
Leslyn advanced to the highest levels of leadership in our County by sheer grit, elbow grease, a spirit of collaboration and natural charisma. An advocate for the young and old alike, Leslyn, who is originally from Guyana, has lived in Ithaca for over two decades. She is also a trained actress/performer and has been seen in many local stage productions. Her most important and proud role, however, is that of a wife to J.R. Clairborne, an Ithaca City Councilman and mother to her 15-year old son, Kelsey and 4-year old daughter, Indira.
Leslyn currently works as the Deputy Director of the Greater Ithaca Activities Center, (GIAC), a multicultural and intergenerational community center in the City of Ithaca. She also serves the community as an elected Tompkins County Legislator, representing the 2nd Legislative District, City of Ithaca. In 2006, she was elected by her legislature colleagues to serve as vice chairperson and held that position for 3 years. She is the first person of color to be elected to this executive level in Tompkins County Government. As a legislator, Leslyn chairs the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committees and is vice-chair of the Facilities & Infrastructure and vice-chair of Public Safety.
Leslyn is dedicated to bringing the voice, needs, and concerns of those she represents to all the activities of the County Legislature. She is an advocate for sensible spending, a livable wage for all workers, recognition and celebration of all cultures, responsible and respectful economic development, good-quality affordable housing, fair employment practices, tourism growth, and alternatives-to-incarceration programs that improve individual lives and the community as a whole. She believes in and is spearheading the County’s initiative to become a fully representative and inclusive model employer.
Educated both abroad and domestically, Leslyn holds two Bachelors of Science degrees in K-12 Education and in Intercultural Communication/Adult Education. Additionally, she provides speaking engagements on diversity and empowerment, offers consultation and training for several agencies, universities and governments on developing internal communication and conflict management procedures, embracing diversity, multiculturalism, and enhancing race relations. She is an experienced facilitator and mediator and a New York State Unified Court System certified mediation trainer. She is also an Associate with the Institute for Conflict Transformation. As a former Teacher, Human Rights Investigator and Acting Affirmative Action Officer, Leslyn has a well-rounded experience that helps her to advocate effectively for those who are disenfranchised and discriminated against.
Some of her representation on behalf of constituents include:
• Chair, Public Safety Committee
• Assembled and chair, Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee
• Member, Budget and Capital Committee (two years)
• Advocated for zero-percent tax levy increase for 2006 budget
• Strong support of living wage legislation
• Strong support of apprenticeship program legislation
• Support new and ongoing tourism initiatives aimed at keeping downtown vibrant
In conclusion, it is my deep honor to nominate my colleague and friend, Leslyn McBean-Clairborne as one of the “20 Outstanding Women You Should Know.”
