Laura Leeson

Laura is Projet Jeune Leader’s Director of Program Strategy and Impact. Since joining PJL in 2017, she has played a driving role in strengthening and innovating the organization’s programs. She has developed robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems that go beyond standard requirements, enabling PJL to better measure its impact, strengthen accountability, and continuously improve its approach.

Today, Laura leads the Technical Department, which designs PJL’s programs, develops educational standards, ensures the technical and pedagogical quality of all activities, and monitors program performance to identify opportunities for ongoing improvement. She also plays a key role in documenting and sharing PJL’s learnings and innovations through resource materials, publications, articles, and presentations at national and international events. In close collaboration with PJL’s Executive Director, Laura contributes to resource mobilization, donor relations, and strategic initiatives that help advance the organization’s vision and long-term goals.

Laura received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She was a Community Health Educator with the Peace Corps from 2013-2016 in Madagascar, during which she was first introduced to Projet Jeune Leader. Laura is fluent in English and Malagasy.