Executive Director

Felipe Peralta serves as the Executive Director of the Lesniak Institute for American Leadership, where his mission is to fight against slacktivism by teaching the next generation of leaders how to effectively advocate. Raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Felipe has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by diverse communities and brings that insight into every aspect of his work.

Felipe earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Public Administration from Kean University, where his passion for public service and social justice was shaped into a lifelong commitment to advocacy.

In his role at the Lesniak Institute, Felipe leads a dynamic team while directing project management and advocacy initiatives. He also works closely with donors and partners to foster collaboration and implement innovative fundraising strategies that strengthen the Institute’s impact. In direct partnership with Kean University and the Office of Government Affairs and Community Partnerships, he has cultivated strategic relationships that expand the Institute’s reach and capacity to serve.

Felipe truly believes that everyone can be an advocate or a leader. Whether in their workplace, school, classroom, or community. At the Lesniak Institute, he works to empower those individuals by providing the resources, support, and opportunities they need to turn their passion into meaningful advocacy. As a DACA recipient, Felipe brings a personal understanding of the barriers faced by underrepresented groups and the resilience needed to overcome them. He currently lives in Hillside, New Jersey with his wife, Naddhya, and their dog, Mylo.