Leslie Fields-Cruz

Leslie joined Black Public Media in 2001 to manage its program development fund, which supports the production of documentaries about the Black experience. She was named director of programs in 2005, to supervise the distribution of BPM-funded programs to public television. It was during this time that BPM created its award-winning anthology series of stories from the African Diaspora, AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange, now in its 13th season. In 2008, Leslie was tapped to serve as VP of programs and operations. In 2014, she was appointed BPM's third-ever executive director. Under her leadership, BPM has cultivated new partnerships, diversified revenues, and initiated vital new programs (360 Incubator+, PitchBlack Forum, BPMplus, Black Media Story Summit) that support Black talent and content development. In February, Leslie made Crain's New York's 2021 list of Notable Black Business Leaders. She currently serves on the board of directors for New York Women in Film and Television and for New Era Creative Space.