Established to Honor a Legacy of Advocacy, Leadership, and Community Service
Michelle Antonette Leete
July 25, 1967 – January 4, 2024
Michelle Leete was a trailblazer, an advocate, and a woman of action whose unwavering commitment to justice, education, and community upliftment left an indelible mark. At the time of her passing, she was serving as the President of the Fairfax County NAACP, one of Virginia’s largest branches. Throughout her tenure, she also held roles as Treasurer, First Vice President, and Second Vice President. Her advocacy work was deeply rooted in a lifelong pursuit of civil rights, social justice, and economic equity. She fought tirelessly against racial and educational disparities, often reminding others that “the work of social justice never ends.”
A lifelong champion for education, Michelle dedicated herself to ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students. She served as President of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at every school her daughter attended and later became President of the Fairfax County Council PTA. She was also Vice President of Training for the Virginia PTA, where she worked to empower parents and educators to advocate for better policies, resources, and opportunities for students across the state.
In addition to her work in education, Michelle was deeply committed to youth development. She served as President of the Burke-Fairfax Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, an organization dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders. Her passion for mentorship and service was recognized when she was named Jack and Jill of America’s 2021 Mother of the Year for her chapter.
Michelle’s influence extended beyond the NAACP and education advocacy. She was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she held several leadership positions in the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter, including serving on the Executive Board Committee and as Chair of the Technology Committee. She was also involved with the Project Management Institute, the Urban League, and the League of Women Voters, continuously working to drive social and economic progress.
Professionally, Michelle was a highly respected Information Technology Program Manager for the Architect of the Capitol. Before moving to Alexandria, she had a successful career on Wall Street, including six years as a Program Manager at the New York Stock Exchange.
Above all, Michelle was a devoted mother to her daughter, Sydney, and a pillar of her community. More than just a leader, she was the person people turned to when something needed to get done—cheerfully, efficiently, and with unmatched dedication.
This scholarship honors her lifelong commitment to advocacy, leadership, and education, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire future generations of change makers.
About the Scholarship
In honor of her lifelong dedication to justice and education, the Michelle Leete Memorial Scholarship was established to support students who exemplify the values she championed. This scholarship will be awarded annually to high school seniors who demonstrate a commitment to advocacy, leadership, and community service. Four scholarships will be awarded to outstanding Black students in Fairfax County: one at $1,000 and three at $500 each.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a graduating high school senior.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be a Black student who resides in and attends a school in Fairfax County (public or private).
- Demonstrate a commitment to social justice, leadership, and community service.
- Be enrolled in or plan to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school.
Application Requirements
- A completed scholarship application.
- Two essay questions demonstrating the applicant’s critical thinking and personal experiences related to innovation and community service, as outlined in the application details.
- Official high school transcript.
- Two letters of recommendation (one from a faculty member at your high school and one from a community member).
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance to an accredited institution.
How to Apply
Applications are available here and must be submitted by May 9, 2025. The recipients will be announced at the Fairfax County NAACP’s College Day, June 7, 2025.
Continuing Michelle’s Legacy
Michelle Leete believed in the power of service and the importance of using one’s voice to create meaningful change. Through this scholarship, we hope to inspire and support future leaders who will carry forward her legacy of justice, equity, and community empowerment.
You can help continue this mission by donating to our scholarship fund here. Please be sure to include “scholarship” in the note section when making your contribution.
For inquiries please contact the Fairfax County NAACP Scholarship Committee at scholarship@fairfaxnaacp.org with the subject line ‘Question’.