About Leslie Edwards
Personal Statement
With a background in public service, conflict resolution, and community advocacy, I’ve spent my career helping others navigate difficult challenges with compassion and integrity. My experience has shown me that justice works best when it’s accessible, efficient, competent, and unbiased.
My vision is simple: a justice system that respects everyone and works for everyone. I want our court to be a place where people don’t feel intimidated — but empowered. After all, the Justice Court is the People’s Court!
Community Involvement
Baylor University School of Education’s Coordinating And Advisory Council
Green Ambassador for Keep Waco Beautiful
Waco Rotary Club
St. Albans Episcopal Church of Waco
Austin Avenue Neighborhood Association
Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce
West Chambr of Commerce
Previous member of The Providence Foundation Forum of Professionals under 40
Previous member of Great Waco Chamber of Commerce Leading Women of Waco
Previous Board of Directors Member:
McLennan County Dispute Resolution Center
Fuzzy Friends Rescue
Volunteer/Fund Raising History:
Muscular Dystrophy Association
American Cancer Society
Alzheimer’s Association
American Heart Association
Providence Foundation
Waco Firefighter’s Association
Advocacy Center of Waco
Event Co-Chair Fuzzy Friends Barkin’ Ball
Professional Experience
I began my professional career in healthcare. My clinical experience included important areas such as Level 1 Trauma ER, psychiatry, and family medicine clinics. My lengthy experience working with patients, their families, medical professionals and first responders instilled in me so many necessary capabilities needed as a Justice Court judge when faced with the tragedy of losing a community member. The importance of expediency, compassion, competence, confidentiality, and professionalism can not be understated. These are all skills that I have 10 years of experience sharpening in real life settings which will greatly benefit Precinct 5.
In 2005, I was offered an opportunity to change careers and join the fastest growing real estate team in Texas. Crucial to my success was a high level of competence in legal documents and contracts, and a proficiency for conflict resolution. Being entrusted with a family’s greatest financial asset is a responsibility I hold in the highest regard. Through honesty, transparency, and integrity, I quickly earned the trust of our community and grew a highly reputable business. I was honored when the citizens of McLennan County voted me in the Top 2 in Best of Waco’s Favorite Realtor, and Top 3 as Favorite Brokerage. The real estate industry also allowed me the ability to connect with many local organizations, non-profits, and businesses, and become highly involved in community advocacy through working and volunteering in a variety of industries.
In 2011, I received my Texas Real Estate Broker’s license. I started my independent agency, Edwards & Thomas Real Estate, PLLC. Two years later I purchased a real estate franchise and became the Broker/Owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Edwards & Associates, where I have managed a team of up to 25 agents and office staff. I was able to grow this company by being an efficient and competent leader that agents and office staff trust and thrive under. This experience is imperative to have in a Justice Court Judge that is tasked with managing important office staff who work hard for the citizens of Precinct 5.
My efficiency in my career, along with the continued trust of our community, allowed me to open a second company. In 2020, I opened Better Waco Rentals where my amazing office staff and I manage over 100 properties all over McLennan County.
National Association of Realtors Texas Association of Realtors
Waco Association of Realtors
Professional Memberships
Midway High School
McLennan Community College
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christie
Education
Voted #2 Best of Waco - Favorite Realtor category
Voted #3 Best of Waco - Best Real Estate Brokerage category
Local Awards
Contact Info
510 Austin Ave. Ste. 2200, Waco 76710
Vote@EdwardsforJP5.com
254-716-1132