As an active member of the Columbia Spectator student-run campus newspaper, Leila served as Layout Associate, then as Multimedia Deputy. She worked as the Editorial Assistant for the Barnard Magazine, where she copy-edited articles and contributed several profiles. At the Instructional Media and Technology Services department, Leila trained students and faculty in video production and post-production. She also created tutorials on video production and media technologies. On campus, Leila served as New Students Orientation Program Leader and Visiting International Student Ambassador. Off-campus, she received the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship and studied Japanese at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan.

          Ultimately, Leila graduated magna cum laude—“with high distinction”. She also earned departmental honors for East Asian Studies and membership in the prestigious academic honor society, Phi Beta Kappa. Since college, Leila has pursued her passion in documentary filmmaking by working on several documentary projects. Currently, Leila works with Jubilee Films to promote “The Hand That Feeds”, an award-winning documentary about labor and immigration issues. Leila brings her diverse experiences in thought-provoking journalism, innovative media technology, international cultural exchange, socially-aware filmmaking, and academic excellence to enrich her student’s college applications journey.