Remembering Leila Janah

I write this with heavy heart, the inspiring, generous, brilliant human Leila Janah passed away at aged 37 on January 24, 2020 after a tough battle with a rare form of cancer. I was a fan of hers, and followed her with a sense of sisterhood and affection.

I first learned of her when I served in a large pool of judges on the MIT Inclusive Innovation Challenge, where I heard her speak in Boston. I was so taken with her and the impact she’s had that I walked right up to her and asked her to speak at an upcoming women’s conference. She said yes on the spot (lucky us) and so began the lightbulb that I had that I could converge doing well with doing good in the world. Shortly after I started writing this blog, in part inspired by her risk taking and engagement with the world.

Leila spoke at the women’s conference and was luminous. She shared her story and mission, and our attendees walked away with a sense of purpose and inspiration, and all especially enjoyed digging into her book, Give Work.

I followed her as time went on and was alarmed when I read about her diagnosis of Epithelioid Sarcoma. She shared updates about her struggle with vulnerability, but still seemed to hold to her core mission of operating as a change agent. Healthcare in the US can be particularly challenging and thorny when you’re sick and are “un or underinsured” (heck even with insurance it’s not easy).

I hoped she would recover. When I saw the news of her death, it hit me square in the chest. What are you doing to make the world a better place, and lift others up? Leila made big impact seem effortless, and for my part I can only think of starting small, and staying engaged. I cannot imagine the deep grief and sense of loss those close to her must feel. My memories of her, and the legacy she’s left will continue to inspire me. Who in your life, even at a distance inspires you? My hope is that we take that inspiration and turn it into action and impact.