Leslie C. Levy, J.D., was named the Ardis & Robert James director at the International Quilt Museum in 2014. Her leadership journey began early as a year-long Rotary scholar studying in Japan at the age of 18. This unique experience led to a Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs from the University of Nebraska. After earning her Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska's College of Law, Leslie worked in both private and public service. As Chief of the Consumer Protection & Antitrust Division for the Nebraska Department of Justice, Leslie gained extensive legal and real-world experience as she honed the skills required to manage teams, work under deadline, balance budgets, and find creative solutions to diverse challenges. Extensive public speaking and building constituencies were skills Leslie developed as her career progressed. What started as a curiosity about one of America's iconic storytellers, manifested itself into the opportunity to lead the internationally acclaimed Willa Cather Foundation and provide the opportunity to grow an international organization as well as broaden Leslie's skillset in academia, networking, outreach and fundraising. Leslie's unique international and work experiences chartered the course towards the International Quilt Museum (IQM). An opportunity not-to-be-missed, Leslie jumped at the chance to lead the world's preeminent quilt museum. Quilts have enabled Leslie to experience many diverse cultures as she has traveled the world in service to the IQM, its members, scholars and visitors. The museum's advancing trajectory under her leadership is the result of focus on a myriad of inter-related goals: • Open the museum to a diverse spectrum of quilt artists and makers; quilt collectors and enthusiasts; scholars and historians; • Introduce the museum, its collection and programming to global audiences; • Build a world-renowned collection, along with the resources to properly steward it for generations; • Advance the mission and outreach of the Museum to inspire its future audience through partnerships and programs with public school K-12 students, varied disciplines on UNL’s campus and other regional universities. Leslie's leadership and work experiences dovetail with her dedication to volunteerism and involvement with organizations such as: • Member, First Plymouth Congregational Church, 1996 – Present; Diaconate Board, 2009-2012; 2014-2017; Sunday school teacher, 2008-2010; Named Notable Woman 2010 – First Plymouth Church • Member, Leadership Lincoln Executive Series XXXI • Member, Rotary Club 14, 2014 – Present; Chair, Member involvement, 2017; Chair, Salute to Business Committee 2017-18; Member Salute to Business Committee, 2016 – present; Board Member, 2018-2020; Member, P&E Committee, 2018-19. • Member, Junior League of Lincoln - Board of Directors: Marketing Vice President, 2003 – 2005, Scribbler Editor, 2002-2004; Sustainer Co-Chair, 2009-2011 • Member, Lincoln Tennis Association Board – President, 1998-1999; Committee Member, 1996 - 2002 • Member, Nebraska Bar Association, 1995 – 2014 • Appointed to Commission on the Unauthorized Practice of Law, Nebraska Supreme Court, 2008 - 2014; Voted Vice-Chair, 2010