Leslie Bauknight Nixon: A Legacy of Leadership, Service, and Impact

By Leslie Nixon Photo by Ira Graham  

Community involvement has always been at the heart of Leslie Bauknight Nixon’s journey. Raised in New Jersey, Nixon’s early years were shaped by her active participation in Girl Scouts, an experience that ignited a lifelong passion for personal achievement and service to others. That same spirit continues today through her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where service to all mankind remains a guiding principle. 

With more than two decades of experience in strategic communications, volunteer program development, and philanthropic initiatives, Nixon has built a career defined by impact, innovation, and purpose. As AVP of Community Relations at Victoria’s Secret & Co., she is a dynamic leader in corporate social responsibility and community engagement. 

Nixon’s professional path began in law, practicing at the St. Thomas University Human Rights Institute, where she provided free legal services to underserved communities in Miami-Dade County. Her career soon evolved into sports and event management, where she held key leadership roles for Super Bowl XLI, XLIV, and the 2010 Pro Bowl. Her work in volunteer coordination and community outreach led her to the Miami Dolphins, where she launched the groundbreaking “Special Teams Driven by Chevy” volunteer program—the first of its kind in the NFL. The initiative mobilized over 3,500 volunteers annually, contributing more than 50,000 hours of service. 

A passionate advocate for youth empowerment, Nixon created the Community Service Academy presented by AARP Foundation, a summer camp that enables high school students to earn community service hours while learning the value of civic engagement. She also led campaigns such as Care Packages for Troops, which has reached over 30,000 service members with comfort items from home. 

Yet, one of her most cherished accomplishments dates back to high school. “Starting the pep squad at my all-girls high school in New Jersey was one of the most meaningful things I’ve done,” Nixon shared. “It was truly a surprise and an honor to be interviewed by the current leaders of the squad for a historical piece in the yearbook. I had to laugh at being called ‘historical,’ but I was awestruck by the legacy created by a couple high schoolers looking for something culturally relevant to us.” 

At VS&Co, Nixon leads the company’s community relations strategy and charitable giving programs. She is the architect behind several signature initiatives, including the VS&Co Essentials program, which provides undergarments and personal care items to individuals experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or displacement. Since its inception, the program has distributed over four million products through nonprofit partners nationwide, offering dignity and support to those in need. 

Nixon also plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Victoria’s Secret Global Fund for Women’s Cancers, in partnership with AACR and Pelotonia. This groundbreaking initiative accelerates innovation in cancer research for women, by women. The fund supports three targeted grant programs that provide critical funding at every stage of a research career. To date, it has awarded $13.5 million to 25 trailblazing women scientists, aiming to improve outcomes for women’s cancers and invest in the next generation of researchers who reflect the diverse populations they serve. 

When asked about her personal philosophy, Nixon shares, “When someone says no, always ask them why not? Looking at all the innovation around us, we know it can be done. The challenge is understanding the hesitation and finding strategic ways to solve it.” 

Nixon earned a dual degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2002. She later received her Juris Doctorate and Master’s in Sport Administration from St. Thomas University, graduating cum laude in 2005. A lifelong learner, she earned her Doctorate of Education in Sport Management from the United States Sports Academy and taught sport management courses as an assistant professor at Barry University. 

As for why she doesn’t go by “Dr. Nixon,” she says she reserves the title for special occasions—like mentoring young girls—as a reminder that they can become whatever they dream to be. 

Nixon resides in Delaware, Ohio, with her husband and two children, continuing to champion meaningful change through storytelling, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to community.