MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: LESLIE PONT

Could you tell us who you are and what it is you do?

I’m Leslie Pont. I work for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UVA as the Executive Director. We are a non-profit 501C3 that serves the active adult community with lifelong learning courses through Charlottesville, Staunton and Waynesboro. OLLI has been in Cville for 20 years! 

What do you love most about the work? 

Making people happy! Our members have various backgrounds, interests and levels of engagement in our courses, tours and events. It is a blessing to see their faces light up about their favorite instructor, staff member, course or a community gathering. We are here to serve their needs both socially and intellectually. 

What inspires you?

My family – we have a four-year old daughter and seeing the world through her eyes is such a gift. I deeply enjoy watching her grow with wonder and excitement. Watching the Olympics right now is also inspiring! Our bodies are much more capable than our minds give us credit for.

How did you arrive at this place?  What’s your backstory?

Funny thing is, I was trying to convince my husband to become an individual member of Studio IX a few years ago. I wanted to get him out of the house after teleworking for his company in Arlington, VA for four years. He was at home 24/7 long before the pandemic came along. and it can take a toll on people who feel isolated from their typical office setting. When I came to work at OLLI during the pandemic, I knew right away that our organization needed a new office solution. I talked to the staff, our president and eventually our board of directors about making the move – so far, it’s working out quite well for our needs.

Was there a light switch moment? A turning point for you (professionally &/or personally)?

For me, it is likely from going back to school in my 40’s/grad school. It was a heavy lift at first and while it’s not easy, it has made me work harder than ever before because it is an everyday, every evening, every weekend commitment outside of work and family. I have two grad classes and a semester-long final project to go. I am really enjoying my classes in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Communications.  

Could you share a memorable story from your professional path thus far?

 There are many so that is a tough one to answer! I love working for nonprofits and I have great memories from each that I’ve worked for. Event planning and the lead up to an event is always memorial for me. My favorite part is watching the event unfold and witnessing people interacting, happy and engaged in conversation. That’s when you know that all of the work that lead into planning an event, has paid off.

 What's on the horizon? What are you currently working on, excited about, looking forward to?

Our team is excited for the Fall semester of classes that is about to launch for registration. It’s been a wild ride to teach OLLI members online for two plus semesters! Most people are ready to go back to in person classes again throughout the local area. For those who are not, or who like the convenience of online learning, we are going to host a dozen courses online this fall. We will be working hard to launch 72 courses successfully, plus our local events and tours.

How do you see your work evolving? 

There is so much more work to do as we come out of the pandemic, so to speak. Strategic planning is a big piece of our work to come because much of that was put on hold during the last 18 months, for better or for worse. Working on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) is going to be our most important work – is will be ongoing as an organization. There are not enough words to describe how vital DEIB is to both OLLI and our local community.

What is the single most important thing to you in your work each day?

Show up and be present! Coming to work with a can-do attitude is essential to my most effective days on the job. Exercise helps tremendously too.

How has your experience at Studio IX been?

It’s been very well received by all of our staff and so far, the members and instructors who have stopped by to see our new space. The best is yet to come.