With over 15 years of international and domestic leadership experience, including more than 8 years in higher education, Dr. Leila Naderi is a recognized expert in strategic leadership, partnership development, industry relations, international education, and leveraging business for social innovation.​

 

Leila is deeply engaged in both the local and global community, she served on the ENACTUS United States Faculty Advisory Committee, the Economic Development & Advocacy Advisory Council of North San Diego Business Chamber, more recently served on the International Affairs Board (IAB) of the City of San Diego (2022-2025), appointed by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and the City Council, with the focus on enhancing San Diego's global partnerships and promoting peace. She also chaired the IAB's Sister Cities Committee from 2022 to 2023. 

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Leila currently leads the Employer Relations team at the University of San Diego. Prior to this role, she was the Director of Partnership Development at Alliant International University | California School of Management & Leadership. As an educator, seasoned leadership researcher, and author, Leila delivers talks at seminars, conferences, workshops, and forums. She has also taught numerous courses in leadership, business management, internship, and practicum.

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​Yoga For Leadership Program

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Leila is the Founder of Yoga For Leadership, an innovative leadership development program that integrates the wisdom of yoga into leadership training to cultivate self-mastery, maximize human potential, and enhance leadership capacity within organizations. She is the author of the following books:

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-The Yogi Leader: Discovering the Seven Elements of Leading with Mind, Body, & Heart​ (2019)

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-Yoga for Leadership: Activating the Compassion Element (2024)

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Both books are grounded in her doctoral research on Yoga for Leadership, blending academic insight with practical tools for personal and organizational growth. A sought-after speaker and leadership researcher, Leila designs and delivers customized Yoga For Leadership workshops and retreats worldwide, empowering leaders to lead with mind, body, and heart. Learn More!

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Global Leadership Academy: Where Diversity Leads To Unity​

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In 2016, Leila founded Global Leadership Academy (GLA): Where Diversity Leads to Unity at Alliant International University in San Diego campus. GLA is a volunteer-driven initiative for social impact and leadership development with a mission that includes: 

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• Develop conscious leaders dedicated to serving the greater good of humanity and the planet.

• Foster connections between today's and tomorrow's leaders.

• Close the gap between knowledge and action.

• Inspire social innovation and cultivate inclusive leadership.

• Advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.​​

Since 2016, GLA's innovative programs—such as Speak to Inspire Seminars, TED Talks & Coffee Talks, Celebrating the Earth Day by Tree Planting, Book Exchange & Friendly Dialogue, and more—have empowered hundreds of community members and engaged numerous thought leaders and volunteers. 

To continue GLA's mission and foster global peace, each year we celebrate the International Day of Peace in September by partnering with a mission-driven organization serving underrepresented communities to offer our Yoga For Leadership program on a “Pay-it-Forward Partnership” basis providing 100% scholarship to participants. Learn More!

 

Awards and Recognitions​

Leila has earned numerous awards and recognitions due to her outstanding leadership and contributions to local and global community including:​

* 2018 and 2020 Special Congressional Recognition and Leadership Award Nominee ​

* 2019 Outstanding Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership - Alliant International University

* Recipient of 2019 Leadership Award by North San Diego Business Chamber

* Featured on Awakin.org , Alliant International University, Texas Woman's University, City of San Diego's Office of Immigrant Affairs, and more. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​