MILESTONE | Aileen Roberta Schlef
I was notified of Aileen Roberta Schlef passing this last Saturday via an email from Nora Comstock, National/International Founder, Past President /Board Member, Las Comadres para Las Americas.
Aileen graced us with her presence and invaluable assistance during Hispanic Lifestyle’s 2024 Connecting Latinas of Influence events in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. Her insights, humor, and genuine care for the image and the impact of the Latino community were truly refreshing. During our discussions about the Latino community and professional careers, it became evident that we had collaborated with the same individuals, organizations, and possibly even in the same room at numerous events over the years. Her passion for our community was evident in every conversation we had.
Aileen I was just beginning to get to know you, but you’ve left an indelible mark on my life. Thank you for being a friend and a colleague when we needed you the most.
Aileen, thank you for your service to our community and cheers to a life well lived. Richard Sandoval, Hispanic Lifestyle
Aileen Roberta Schlef
Visionary Communicator, Advocate, and Leader
Aileen Roberta Schlef, a trailblazer in strategic communications and a dedicated advocate for multicultural partnerships, passed away. Aileen was the founder of Creative Alliance Communications (CAC), an innovative consultancy that helped clients navigate the complexities of modern communication with clarity, purpose, and transparency. Through her leadership, CAC became a national model for cross-sector initiatives, particularly in advancing Latino and multicultural engagement.
Aileen’s remarkable career began as an intern and campaign aide for Senator Robert F. Kennedy, whose legacy of social justice and equity inspired her lifelong commitment to public service. She was a member of the 2018 RFK 50th Anniversary Planning Committee, honoring the late senator’s enduring impact. Throughout her career, Aileen played a pivotal role in shaping historic national organizations that championed the social and economic progress of U.S. Latinos.
Her influence spanned multiple sectors, from government and corporate strategy to nonprofit development. She was the first adult bilingual and immigrant education specialist at the U.S. Department of Education and served on the Civil Rights Task Force during the department’s formative years. In California, she was instrumental in transforming a small immigrant clinic into AltaMed Health Services Corporation, now a half-billion-dollar regional health network. In New York, as Vice President of Marketing & Community Development for the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA), Aileen redefined public-private partnerships, making homeownership more accessible across diverse communities.
Aileen’s expertise extended to the financial industry, where she served as an in-house consultant for Chase Manhattan Bank, designing innovative corporate programs that set new standards for inclusivity and excellence. Her work in journalism and media was equally impactful—she reported on Latino life since the 1972 launch of La Luz Magazine, was an active member of the National Press Club, and was recognized with multiple Vivian Awards for her service to the journalism community.
A compelling communicator and mentor, Aileen held a master’s degree and pursued doctoral studies in communications, community, and higher education administration. She earned advanced leadership certificates from Columbia University and the Kellogg-United Way program. Her dedication to education continued as an adjunct faculty member at Graduate School USA, shaping the next generation of leaders.
Aileen’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to social equity, cultural representation, and impactful storytelling. She leaves behind a lasting imprint on the communities she served and the many lives she touched.
