Leslie Abbott: Adventurer, Photographer, Blogger and the Face Behind the W PS RV

For the past six months, the We Heart NC Public Schools Tour has crisscrossed the state highlighting educators and the great work occurring in public schools. From the mountains to the coast, thousands of miles have been logged and at every stop along the way has been what has come to be a symbol of the tour – an RV bearing the names of all 100 North Carolina counties. The RV has served as a backdrop for photos and has been featured in numerous news stories. Travelers have seen it along the state’s highways making its way to the next destination. And, it has made appearances in small towns and large cities alike, sharing a peek inside of what life is like for the citizens who live there. But, as famous as the RV has become, little has been shared about the person behind the vehicle affectionately known as “Minnie” – NCAE associate member Leslie Abbott. Described as an adventurer, photographer, and blogger, Abbott is a native North Carolinian and lifelong activist. She has been a part of the RV world since 2018, when she made the decision to leave her home in Los Angeles and 20-year career as a union rep to travel full time. “I have always been curious about pretty much everything,” said Abbott. “I enjoy talking with people and understanding who they are, how their experiences have shaped them, and what they want to do in life. I am interested in insights, ideas, and reflections, as well as the mastery people have developed to survive and thrive in the day-to-day.” Abbott said the We Heart Public Schools Tour was the perfect gig for her because it combined three of the things she loves most. Her favorite part of being a union rep was meeting members in their workplaces and learning about the important work they do every day. Traveling, which is all about getting to experience the people, places, history, and natural beauty unique to each place. And, she was inspired by NCAE’s history and its future, and was excited about being a part of connecting and strengthening the union and communities across the state. It’s what led her to join the Association as a community ally. Prior to the tour, she volunteered full-time with the Association for six months supporting member outreach and organizing during the 2020 electoral campaign. When she started her journey, Abbott said she had no background in RVing. It was like sipping water out of a firehose. But once she hit the road, she didn’t look back. “Even though I didn’t know what ‘it’ was, I knew I was supposed to do something with the second half of my life. And the best way I figured to do that was to radically simplify my life, free my time and resources to follow all that curiosity and desire, and get out there and start doing it! I love having new experiences, including going places where I have never been. I deeply appreciate nature more and more every day. I love the eclectic people, activities and energy of big cities. And, I truly respect the daily and long-term interdependent community of small towns.” It’s all about the open road for Abbott, who has traveled to several states within the U.S. as well as to Europe, Haiti, Israel/Palestine, Peru, India, Ghana, and Morocco. Now she has almost all 100 North Carolina counties under her belt. Where is she off to next? Wherever it is, you can be sure she will follow her motto of being “here, there, and everywhere!” To read more about Abbott and her adventures, click here.

Tour photos can be found on the NCAE Flickr page.