Are you hoping to advance social justice? Want to talk with an alum dedicated to empowering the next generation of advocates? Join us for an Alum Connection with Leila Farwana. Leila will share how her experiences in school laid the groundwork for her future endeavors, providing her with a deep passion for the complex social and health issues facing marginalized communities and vulnerable populations.

About Leila Farwana

Leila Farwana is a seasoned communications and engagement specialist with a longstanding commitment to advancing progressive social causes throughout her career. Leila graduated from the University of Michigan in 2016 with a degree in Neuroscience and Gender and Health.

Leila's career is marked by a series of impactful roles where she has been a relentless advocate for those in need. She has contributed to a wide range of initiatives, including researching solutions to the opioid crisis, community organizing for clean water in Flint, fundraising for affordable housing and homelessness prevention, and combating hunger in Metro Detroit. Leila’s advocacy extends deeply into the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, where she has been a vocal and proactive champion for equality. Her work has been instrumental in advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, both in Michigan and beyond, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Now, as Senior Director of Communications and Donor Engagement at Equality Michigan, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, Leila is at the forefront of efforts to mobilize support and drive meaningful change. She is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategy to engage Equality Michigan’s diverse community of supporters, fostering strong connections between the organization and its stakeholders. Leila also manages Equality Michigan’s online presence, ensuring that the organization’s message and impact are effectively communicated across all platforms. Her leadership in this role is vital to amplifying the organization’s mission and securing the resources needed to continue the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Leila Farwana’s post-grad journey is proof that you can make a successful career out of dedication to social justice and a belief in the power of community-driven change.


You should attend this session if you are:

-An undergraduate U-M LSA student

-Interested in careers in the non-profit sector, advocacy work, or community engagement

-Looking for other career paths within the communications industry



What you’ll gain by attending:

-Make a valuable connection with a successful LSA alum ready to help you navigate the community engagement and research field

-Get ideas for how to build and grow in the non-profit sector

-Gain tips for building communities and networks past your LSA degree



RSVP now to be a part of the conversation. Lunch will be provided