Q&A with Kellie Leeson

Fun fact: Kellie is also a kidney donor and, in her profile, you’ll find a beautiful essay she wrote about the experience. 

Meet my long-time friend (since 1995!) and colleague in the humanitarian space, Kellie C. Leeson . This profile is the latest in a series I’m creating on LinkedIn this year, spotlighting women leaders who are focused on the crisis of forced displacement, on the growing number of refugees and stateless, and/or on the humanitarian sector.

🟢 Name: Kellie Leeson

🟢 Role and organization: Deputy VP for New Initiatives at the Women's Refugee Commission

🟢 Where do you live? #NewYorkCity

🟢 And where do you call home? #NewYorkCity

🟢 How did the experiences of people who have been forcibly displaced first become important to you? When I first worked for the International Rescue Committee , I was based in #Kenya with a focus on #SouthSudan. Living in Kenya, I learned of the large #refugee population living in camps in #Nairobi and the extreme limitations on their lives even after a decade of displacement. I also came to understand the vital role hubs like Nairobi play as stability centers fo refugees and their potential to offer opportunities for both refugees and host countries.

🟢 My professional journey: My work life and personal life are closely connected, especially now as my community organizing informs the work I do at the global level —  it's all connected! In the beginning of my career, my work was focused on direct service delivery and management. This experience led me to transition towards a focus on larger systems and policies, toggling between the two. As one example, I started the Refugee Self-Reliance Initiative because of gaps in programs and policies meant to help urban refugees succeed in the long term.

🟢 What's your superpower, either real or desired? Staying positive — even though this work is often a mix of deflating, inspiring and exhausting. To my mind there's no other option but to passionately persist, while bringing others along!

🟢 Tell us your fantasy dinner party guests! Degan Ali , Nikole Hannah-Jones and Maria Ressa . All three women had interesting and comfortable careers but decided to fearlessly challenge the status quo in ways that stretch far beyond their industries. 

Thank you, Kellie, and stay tuned for my next interview featuring the amazing Wendy Young .