Leanna Shiels

Communications Intern

Leanna is a third year Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Throughout her studies and prior she has been involved in educational initiatives, and is passionate about the support it can bring in highlighting the need for inclusive and intersectional approaches.

She believes in community led approaches, contributing to her own women’s rugby society where fostering connection and confidence has positive effects for the team and individuals, who are able to carry the lessons learned through team sports into other areas of life. Leanna is particularly interested in how to promote empowerment and support equal opportunities, where engagement in education and sport can foster leadership, and promote personal growth.

Applying her studies, she aims to deepen her understanding of the structural role education can play in challenging systemic inequalities, and the importance of harnessing local communities to emphasise agency and empowerment.