Meet Leslie Banks

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leslie Banks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leslie, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
When I created “Serve the Future,” I had no idea how extensive the impact would be on our community, particularly for the most vulnerable and underserved children. My intention was simply to help a few kids develop determination, perseverance, and self-confidence through the game of tennis. However, all thanks to the community’s unwavering support, Serve the Future has grown to positively impact over 800 children in 5 years. The generosity I have witnessed has empowered these children to break free from the shackles of negativity, hopelessness, and doubt. I am fortunate to share the sport of tennis with them, which has not only helped me cultivate the same determination, perseverance, and self-confidence but also allowed me to compassionately mentor these children, inspiring them to believe in a brighter future for themselves.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our focus going forward at Serve the Future will be on building a strong foundation for our coaches—they’re the backbone of our program. We want to ensure they’re supported and aligned with our mission so they can positively impact students. We’re expanding within the Isaac School District (which feeds into Phoenix Union) to cement our presence locally, and we’re exploring growth in Scottsdale. There’s even early interest in launching a program in Austin!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend were visiting, I’d show them the best of Phoenix with a mix of food, outdoor adventures, and tennis. We’d start with meals at The Farm at South Mountain for fresh local flavors or Taco Guild for creative Mexican dishes, then hit spots like The Henry or Global Ambassador for drinks. Old Town Scottsdale and Downtown Phoenix are must-sees for energy and culture, and I’d take them to the Saturday farmers’ market for an authentic local vibe. For outdoor time, we’d hike Piestewa Peak or South Mountain, and no trip would be complete without, of course, some tennis! There are so many great spots in the Valley to play and learn tennis, including Kiwanis Park, the Phoenix Tennis Center and more. Phoenix Country Club would be a must visit, as they host the Arizona Tennis Classic each year, and they have hosted Serve the Future events in the past, like our annual triples tournament.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate this shoutout to my family and my husband. We’re all competitive—tennis runs in our blood. My sister, an orthopedic surgeon, and my brother, who serves in the Air Force with multiple master’s degrees, have always inspired me. Growing up, I didn’t always feel I was living up to my potential, but they never looked down on me for being a tennis coach. My brother, especially, encouraged me to “shoot for the stars.” When I moved to Arizona, my husband gave me the space to explore my passions, which led me to founding Serve the Future.

The nonprofit world was very new to me, my board provided early guidance, but honestly, I figured a lot of it out myself—journaling, researching, and learning from mistakes. The USTA Southwest Section was instrumental too; they awarded us our first grant. A recurring theme in my life has been having the freedom to grow without pressure, and that’s what I strive to give the kids we serve.

Website: https://www.servethefuture.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/servethefutureaz/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serve-the-future-az/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/servethefutureaz/