Leslie Cantu
Vice President, Administration
Leslie Cantu serves as Vice President of Administration at Toyotetsu’s San Antonio facility, overseeing Human Resources, Environmental, Health, Safety, Security and Accounting. With almost 20 years of experience in both production and administrative roles at tier1 automotive suppliers, Cantu combines operational expertise with strategic vision. A Texas A&M University graduate with a B.S. in Psychology, she became Toyotetsu’s first female Assistant Vice President—demonstrating her leadership prowess.
In 2016, Cantu cofounded TX FAME–Alamo, Texas’s first chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education, and now leads as chapter president. She also chairs the Workforce Solutions Alamo Board of Directors, advancing regional workforce development and employer talent partnerships.
Appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Task Force on Consolidation of Workforce and Social Services under Senate Bill 2315, Cantu leverages her workforce expertise to influence statewide policy and coordination efforts.
Cantu’s impact extends to national recognition. She was honored in 2023 with the Women MAKE Award from the Manufacturing Institute—a prestigious accolade celebrating top female leaders in manufacturing who drive innovation, workforce development, and community engagement.
Her inclusive hiring initiatives include the launch of a 12-week apprenticeship program for individuals with disabilities—the first of its kind in Texas—and the creation of a second chance hiring program that placed over 140 formerly incarcerated individuals at Toyotetsu. These efforts reflect her commitment to equitable workforce inclusion, earning praise for embodying the Japanese philosophy of “Mendōmi,” which values employees as family.
Outside her professional life, Cantu recharges on her ranch south of San Antonio, enjoying time with her husband, five children, four grandchildren, and a variety of animals. This personal retreat fuels the energy and compassion she brings to her impactful work.
Leslie Cantu exemplifies visionary leadership—bridging corporate excellence, public service, and community empowerment while shaping the future of workforce development in Texas and beyond.
Toyotetsu Texas, Inc.
1 Lone Star Pass Building 38
San Antonio, TX 78264
(210) 231-5529
lcantu@ttna.com
