Freedom in Serving Others: Sister Leslie Dao

Sister of Providence Leslie Dao’s immigration story begins in 1975, before she was even born. The city of Saigon fell to the communists, marking the end of the Vietnam War. Leslie’s older brother was forced to flee, seeking safety and freedom. For a long time, the family had no news of whether he was even alive. They were so thankful to eventually learn he had reached the United States safely and was starting a new life.

Leslie is the youngest of 15 children. As a child, her older sister cared for her during the day while her mother worked. Each day when her mother returned home, Leslie remembers learning prayers from her mother and singing hymns to the Blessed Virgin Mary with her.

“We prayed together every day, and those moments laid the foundation for my Catholic faith. My parents are devout Catholics, and they nurtured our family in faith from a very young age,” Sister Leslie said.

Coming to America

In 1990 her brother in the United States sponsored the rest of the family to come join him.

“Our family’s decision to leave Vietnam was motivated by one hope: to find true freedom — the freedom to practice our faith openly and to pursue a better future,” Sister Leslie said.

So at 13 years old, speaking no English, Leslie found herself in the United States.

“Although we had very little financially, we were grateful simply to be together again. During our first two years in California, my family worked long hours at difficult jobs that paid very little. Despite these hardships, we supported one another and cherished the time we spent together.”

Young Life Experiences

Sister Leslie’s childhood experiences have shaped who she is today: From the deep faith of her family, to the Catholic sister in Vietnam who prepared her for First Communion and got her thinking about religious life, to the support of her school counselor when she first arrived in the U.S.

“My school counselor was a social worker who recognized my struggles. She encouraged me, helped me build my self-confidence, and reminded me that my voice and experiences mattered. Through her kindness, compassion and unwavering support, she helped me discover my identity and introduced me to the profession of social work. Her example inspired me to pursue a life dedicated to serving others with the same empathy and care that she so generously showed me.”

Today Sister Leslie has bachelor’s degrees in sociology and in social work.

Life in Ministry

Before she joined the Sisters of Providence in 2021, Sister Leslie ministered in immigrant and refugee ministry at St. Pius V Parish in St. Louis.

“The refugee families I served shared many of the same hopes and experiences that my own family had when we came to America,” she said. “Immigrants enrich society by bringing diverse cultures, languages, traditions, art, cuisine and perspectives, creating stronger and more vibrant communities.”

Today Sister Leslie ministers in the Learning Center at Deborah’s Place in Chicago. Their mission is to “open doors of opportunity for women who are homeless in Chicago.”

“My goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment where the women feel supported, valued and understood. Above all, I want every woman to know that she is not alone and that she is deeply cared for. I feel called to journey alongside, support and accompany the women we serve. Growing up in poverty, I experienced firsthand the hardship of lacking basic necessities. Those experiences have given me a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by women who long for compassion, dignity, a warm welcome and a kind smile,” Sister Leslie said.

Living the Legacy

Sister Leslie finds fulfillment in living out the legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, who also came to this country as an immigrant not able to speak English.

“Saint Mother Theodore Guerin reminds us that holiness is found not in a life free from hardship but in a life faithfully offered to God each day. I am especially inspired by Mother Theodore’s zeal, courage, compassion and loving spirit.

“Being part of this community has been a tremendous blessing in my faith journey. Through shared prayer, worship and genuine fellowship, I have grown not only in my love for God but also in my love for others. Witnessing the faith, kindness and generosity of the Sisters has challenged me to become more patient, compassionate and trusting in God’s plan.”

Originally published in the Fall 2026 issue of HOPE magazine.