WOMEN TO WATCH
2016

LESLEY OSLICA

AR CHAPTER PRESIDENT
CHILDREN’S TUMOR FOUNDATION

Fundraising and event planning was not something I would have chosen for myself. However, after learning my child had an incurable disorder, I would go to the ends of the earth to create a brighter future for her and those with NF (neurofibromatosis). Working with the Children’s Tumor Foundation as AR Chapter President and as a National Board Member helps to fulfill a need to raise awareness of NF and funds for research through annual events like Dancing with ‘Our’ Stars and the NF Endurance Team at the LR Marathon.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

HOW DID YOU KNOW THIS IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO DO?

The moment that I learned the funds we were raising in Arkansas had a direct impact on the foundation’s ability to fund research projects is the moment that I knew this is what I wanted to do. Research = Hope.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED:

The best advice came from overhearing a presentation by Dr. Peter Post to students at Subiaco Academy on career day. His recommendation was: “Choose a job you would do for free.” Advice I took to heart and have used since.

I WISH I KNEW HOW TO:

Effectively express the gratitude I feel towards everyone that helps us advance NF Research; people like our supportive Arkansas Board of Directors, our volunteers, sponsors, and donors. As a mother of a child with NF, I’m eternally grateful.

BIGGEST CHALLENGES OR OBSTACLES YOU’VE FACED IN YOUR CAREER:

My biggest obstacles come from asking others for help. I’ve always tried to be self-sufficient...but in this line of work, you have to have the support of your community. Thank goodness AR is the best community in the World!

IF YOU COULD LUNCH WITH ANY WOMAN, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU ORDER?

Mother Teresa. We would have lunch at my house, so we would have time to interact. She is a woman who gave all of herself to her mission for the love of others and an incredible witness of Faith.

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN LITTLE ROCK:

Food, friends, community, that's what I love about LR. I grew up in Hillcrest and loved being a part of this community. I enjoy the downtown restaurants and use of the wonderful river trail system as weekend adventure spots.

BEST CAREER MOMENT SO FAR:

Learning that an NF research project, initially co-funded by CTF, moved on to a Phase 2 clinical trial at the National Cancer Institute and is showing shrinkage in NF Plexiform tumors. And finishing Race Across America.

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?

My husband has been my role model for 31 years. He is balanced, considerate, and compassionate. Not to mention, he does anything he can to advance the mission to #EndNF. He is as dedicated to the mission as I am.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

NEIGHBORHOOD:

Wellington Neighborhood, Conway

HOMETOWN:

Little Rock

LAST GOOD READ:

“All the Light We Can Not See”

FAVORITE FOOD:

Cheese dip

FAVORITE LUNCH SPOT:

US Pizza

FIRST THING YOU DO AT THE OFFICE:

Daily reading of “The Word Among Us”

LATEST SPLURGE:

Purse and shoes

THINGS YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WORK:

Exercise (CrossFit, run, ride) and play with the grandkids

DREAM VACATION:

A month on Kauai being a beach bum for the first two weeks and hiking, exploring the last two

FAVORITE SONG:

“Calling All Angels” by Train

SPONSORS