+ − Contact Information
Email Address: @azleg.gov
Phone: (602) 926-5829
Fax: (602) 417-3115
Office Address:
Room Room 315
1700 W. Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
+ − Biography
Representative Lela Alston is a Phoenix native, and a graduate of Phoenix Union High School. As a young wife and mother of two, Ms. Alston received her bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona in three years. Later she received her master's degree from Arizona State University while teaching full-time in the Phoenix Union High School District.
Ms. Alston began serving in the Arizona State Senate in 1977 where she was a committee member on Appropriations for all 18 years of her service till 1995. As a State Senator she also served on the Education, Rules, Government, Commerce and Labor, Judiciary, and Transportation Committees. Ms. Alston served fourteen years in Democratic Leadership as Assistant Leader and Whip. Her numerous interim, and special task force assignments involved education and appropriation issues. Ms. Alston focused her support on programs designed to strengthen the state's education system, and improve healthcare and economic conditions for children and families.
Ms. Alston strongly believes in public education. Her professional training and personal upbringing resulted in her being an advocate for children and families- an advocacy she continues today. Over a period of years Ms. Alston's tireless efforts, in cooperation with others, resulted in the creation of Arizona State University's West Campus. In 1995 Ms. Alston spearheaded efforts to bring Metro Tech High School, a licensed primary care facility in partnership with Banner Health Care.
In November of 2008 Ms. Alston was elected to the PUHSD Governing Board, continuing her service to the Phoenix community after teaching in the district for 34 years. Professional recognitions she is most proud of include being chosen Honorary State Firefighter, Girl Scouts 2002 World of Children Award, and the naming of Lela Alston Elementary School in the Isaac School District.
In 1999 she purchased a 1929 historic home in the Roosevelt District, her lifetime project! Ms. Alston has six grandchildren.