You Shouldn’t Have to Fight This Hard for Justice

Too many survivors are silenced,
disbelieved, or ignored.

Leslie McFadden refused to be one of them—and she's helping others find their voice, too.

Meet Leslie McFadden

SOCIAL JUSTICE WARRIOR.

Survivor. Activist. Storyteller for Systemic Change.


After being drugged and raped by a colleague in New York, Leslie did everything “right.” She reported the assault. She trusted the system. Her case was closed without investigation.

Instead of staying silent, Leslie went public—sharing her story with the New York Times, NY1, the New York Daily News, and more. She testified before the New York City Council. Her advocacy helped spark a Department of Justice investigation into the NYPD’s mishandling of sexual assault cases.

Leslie continues to lead change:
• Helping pass survivor legislation through Rise
• Mentoring survivors in public testimony and legislative advocacy
• Exposing institutional failures—and showing what real reform looks like

Leslie in the News

  • “They need to be able to expect that their kits will be tested in a timely manner if they choose to report it to the police,” she said. “That is not what has happened here, and that is unconscionable.”

    —The New York Post

  • “That is not how any survivor should be treated.”

     — The New York Times

  • “The NYPD never held him accountable—I did.”

    — The New York Daily News

Want Leslie to Speak or Partner on a Project?

Whether you're a journalist, policymaker, nonprofit leader, or survivor advocate, Leslie offers:

  • Keynotes and panels on survivor advocacy

  • Legislative consulting and testimony preparation

  • Media interviews and op-eds

You Don’t Have to Stay Quiet.

The system may be broken, but your story can create change.

Leslie McFadden is living proof.