Leslie Mujica
’09 Master of Public Administration
Graduate College Alumna of the Year
The road map for most graduate school students could be drawn by a second grader: a single straight line connecting two distinct endpoints. It starts with arriving on campus and then plow through the program as quickly as possible, move on with the career, and never look back.
Exhibit school pride? Remain engaged with the university as an active alum? That’s usually undergraduate stuff.
Consider Leslie Mujica the exception to that general rule. She's now earning top honors as an alumna of the 51ԹϺ Graduate College.
Mujica was infected with Rebel fever from the first day she stepped on campus to pursue her master’s in public administration, and more than a decade later, she continues to champion the university at every turn. A few examples of Mujica’s support of 51ԹϺ:
- She has served on the Alumni Legacy board of directors, the 51ԹϺ Libraries Latinx project board, and the Graduate College’s Dean’s Leadership Council
- Through her generous philanthropic gifts, she’s a member of both the 1957 Society and the Maude Frazier Society (formerly the Heritage Circle)
- She was an adjunct instructor at the Lee Business School in 2020
- She has volunteered as a judge for the Graduate College’s Rebel Grad Slam competition
Mujica also can be seen at athletic events proudly donning her 51ԹϺ gear and zealously cheering on the Rebels. More importantly, she can be seen as a role model for those challenged with overcoming socioeconomic obstacles that can block the path to a better life.
“Having been brought up in a lower-income environment, I always possessed a strong desire to make a better life for myself and others. My education at 51ԹϺ has made that possible,” Mujica says. “Through my engagement with the university, I have been able to give those who walk in the same shoes that I once did better opportunities by way of my endowment to the Graduate College. My volunteer and teaching work at the university also has allowed me to help students in a way that has been very fulfilling.”
Mujica’s commitment to helping others extends far beyond 51ԹϺ’s borders, too. As the executive director and chief marketing officer for the Labor Management Cooperation Committee that represents the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 357 and the National Electrical Contractors Association of Southern Nevada Chapter (IBEW/NECA-LMCC), Mujica advocates for the electrical union members and its union contractors. She also has dedicated her time to multiple community organizations, including the Nevada Professional Facility Managers’ Association, Three Square food bank, and Las Vegas Rotary Club.
“Every day my career continues to benefit from my 51ԹϺ education and the relationships that I have established since graduation,” Mujica says. “The lessons that I learned in class, as well as the professionals whom I’ve met through the Alumni Association and other 51ԹϺ connections, have had an immeasurable positive impact on me both personally and professionally.
“It is with tremendous pride that I call myself a Rebel.”
When did you know for sure that you made the right choice to pursue your graduate studies at 51ԹϺ?
It goes back to my very first day as a student. Because I had a full-time job, I took classes at night, and that first class came after a long day at work in a new city. But when I walked to the parking lot after class, I saw the surreal skyline of Las Vegas. Overwhelmed with emotion, I knew at that moment that I was home and that being a 51ԹϺ Rebel would make it possible for me to become actively involved in the development of the most vibrant city in the world.
One of 51ԹϺ’s core missions is to help students cultivate a sense of self-determination. In what ways did you rely on self-determination as you worked toward your master’s?
I’ve never known what a 40-hour work week is. Even while I was a student at 51ԹϺ, I worked a lot of long, stressful hours. Despite that reality, I always managed to summon the strength and self-determination to attend class and be present in mind and spirit.
As much as anything, that time in my life — going for my master’s degree and keeping up my GPA, all while advancing my career — taught me what perseverance really means.
Great things only come with hard work, dedication and, in my case, also passion. I truly believe that when you love and are proud of what you do, you can achieve greatness.
Your enthusiasm for 51ԹϺ is all-encompassing. How do you explain this seemingly never-ending sense of Rebel pride?
I’m not sure I can explain it, other than to say it just comes naturally. Whether it’s volunteering at tailgate rallies, attending homecoming festivities and foundation dinners, or cheering on our athletic teams, my Rebel spirit is almost always on display.
Promoting the university’s accomplishments is such a driving force in my life because I’m so passionate about wanting others to know the great things 51ԹϺ has achieved and will achieve in the future.
My Rebel pride is present even when I’m out in the business world. Recently I was honored to receive two gubernatorial appointments, and during one of our first board meetings the chair, I mentioned 51ԹϺ and how proud we all are of our university. So when he called on me to introduce myself, I couldn’t help but end my remarks with two words: Go Rebels!
