A Life Shaped by Courage, Purpose and Service

HER STORY

Leina’s commitment to women’s rights is rooted in her personal experience. Growing up in Cameroon, she witnessed the realities faced by women and girls, including the harmful practice of breast ironing within her own family. When she herself was threatened with the practice, she resisted.

Those early experiences stayed with her and helped shape a conviction that would later define much of her work: the experiences of women and girls should not remain hidden or unheard.

Journalism became one of the first ways she could turn that conviction into action. Through storytelling and public engagement, she began bringing greater attention to issues affecting women and communities and creating space for conversations that were often difficult, overlooked or silenced.

A GROWING CALLING

From Storytelling to Social Change

Something that began through journalism gradually developed into broader advocacy and community engagement. Leina’s work increasingly focused on the rights, dignity and safety of women and girls, particularly those affected by harmful practices, inequality and social vulnerability.

Her advocacy against breast ironing became an important part of this journey, combining lived experience with journalism, public education and community engagement.

Her work later expanded through Women Relief Services, building on earlier advocacy efforts to strengthen women and girls through humanitarian support, empowerment, dignity and community-based action.

EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT

Learning for Leadership and Peace

Her academic and professional development strengthened her understanding of peacebuilding, governance, conflict transformation and the role of communities in creating sustainable change.

Master's Degree

Peace, Governance and Development

United Nations University for Peace — Costa Rica

Professional Training

International Conflict Mediation

Clingendael Institute — The Netherlands

Bachelor's Degree

Journalism & Mass Communication

Minor in Women's Studies — University of Buea

MILESTONES

Women Have Wings Courage Award

Over the years, Leina's work has also brought her into international conversations and platforms focused on women’s rights, leadership, development and social change.

2012

Aspen New Voices Fellowship

• UN Commission on the Status of Women

  Panelist

• Women Deliver

  Speaker — 2019 & 2023

• BBC World Service

• Voice of America

• UN Women

• Nobel Women's Initiative

Recognition of her courage and work advancing the rights and dignity of women.

2013

Selected as an Aspen New Voices Fellow, strengthening her engagement in international development and public discourse.

FAITH & PURPOSE

Alongside her professional and advocacy journey, Leina's Christian faith has remained central to how she understands purpose, leadership and service.

Through Wellspring Women Ministries, she encourages women and mothers through biblical teaching, prayer, fellowship and spiritual growth. Through initiatives such as Mother’s Altar and Daily Radiance, she creates spaces for women to grow in faith and purpose.

That faith also finds practical expression through Mother’s Watch, extending care to vulnerable children, disadvantaged mothers, newborns and families through community outreach in Cameroon.

WHAT I BELIEVE

DIGNITY

COURAGE

FAITH

SERVICE

"Every woman and girl deserves to live with dignity, safety and the freedom to realize her potential."

"Meaningful change often begins with the courage to speak about what others would rather leave unspoken"

"Faith provides strength, direction and a foundation for serving others with purpose."

"Impact becomes meaningful when knowledge, influence and compassion are translated into action."