OUR FOUNDER

Leana Walcott is a retired Accountant and former Assistant Comptroller from Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority, where she dedicated over twenty-five years of service.

Her annual White Event, which honors women, served as the springboard for the creation of The Chrysalis Project, Inc. (TCP), which officially becoming a 501 c (3) in 2017. Through Team Mentoring, TCP creates opportunities for young women to be nurtured, supported and prepared to navigate high school and enter college with confidence and clear goals.

Leana has been an active member of the Plainfield NJ community for 35 years, where she resides her husband Steven Walcott. She holds a Degree in Business, a Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting and a Project Management certificate from Harvard . Her passion for youth development began early, working with summer youth programs in Brooklyn NY.

Beyond mentorship, Leana is an avid tennis player, competing with the United States Tennis Association (USTA)for 18 years. She taught tennis to young women through the Plainfield Division of Recreation, In addition she enjoys playing golf and hosts an annual golf outing under The Chrysalis Project, which raises funds for programming and scholarships. She also volunteers at the Original Tee Annual Celebrity Golf Outing.

A dedicated member of Shiloh Baptist Church, serving in Finance, Travel and First Impressions Ministries. She is also the President of the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library (FOPPL) Board and a Commissioner on Plainfield Cultural Heritage Commission.

Her commitment to empower young women continues to driver her work with The Chrysalis Project, where she remains devoted to creating lasting impact in the lives of the young women she serves.