Rev. Leslie Sanders

Hope Technology and Education Center, NFP

Founder, and Chairman

 

One of Chicago’s most prominent and influential Black ministers, Rev. Leslie Sanders Sr., is the senior pastor of the Hope Presbyterian Church in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood where for more than 30 years he has promoted community service and outreach. A close confidant and advisor to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Rev. Sanders has used his political connections to bring much-needed jobs and resources to Chicago’s inner-city neighborhoods.

Recognizing the disparate economic opportunities faced by those who lack access to modern information technology, Rev. Sanders founded HOPE Technology and Education Center in 2010. The not-for-profit organization offers public computers and technology training, essential life skills training, and employment readiness training programs.

 

Rev. Sanders also serves as Vice Chairman of the Rebirth of Englewood Community Development Corporation and is a longtime member of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Chicago Baptist Ministers Conference and the Westside Ministers Conference.

 

Rev. Sanders has assisted major corporations with outreach to African American faith-based communities, including Comcast, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Meridian, Evolent Health, Western Utilities, ComEd, the Cook County Health and Hospital System, and others.

 

Rev. Sanders also led grassroots efforts for numerous political campaigns. In addition to Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson, Rev. Sanders has  organized community outreach efforts for Cook County Board President Toni Prekwinkle, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, former Mayors Richard M. Daley and  Eugene Sawyer, former Cook County Board President Richard Phelan, and countless aldermen, judges and other elected officials.

 

Rev. Sanders’ faith serves as the foundation of his commitment to his community, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois. Rev. Sanders first heard his calling to the ministry at the age of 16. He accepted the call in 1973 when he was 18 years old and became a licensed minister that same year. In 1974, Rev. Sanders was ordained as a Baptist minister and ten years later he was ordained as a minister of the Presbyterian Church USA.

 

Rev. Sanders prepared for his theological career at Christina Brother Christian Brother College in Memphis, Tennessee, and McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. 

 

Reverend Sanders is married to his wife of xx years, Julie Sanders, who excels in the technology and corporate workforce development arenas. Together, they are the proud parents of four children and doting grandparents to six adorable grandchildren.

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