Biography

Leah is a researcher and advocate for the rights of un/documented migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. She is a Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) Scholar and PhD Candidate in the Human Rights in Contemporary Societies Program at the Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies (iiiUC) and the Centre for Social Studies (CES), where she researches border securitization and the erosion of the right to seek asylum. Leah is currently researching her dissertation titled 'Normalizing the extreme: The role of 'Global North' anti-immigrant discourses in non-entrée policies'. Leah holds an MA in International Law and Human Rights from the United Nations-mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica, where she was awarded a Merit Scholarship, and a MA in Migration Studies from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, where she was supported by a Danish Government Scholarship awarded for academic excellence. As a Presidential Merit Scholar, Leah graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Sociology and Anthropology from the Loyola University of Chicago, with minors in Political Science, International Studies, and Urban Studies. In addition to her research, Leah has held international roles in advocacy, policy, and law related to migrant and refugee rights. She currently serves as a Board Director at Their Story is Our Story (TSOS) and an expert for the Women's Global Consultation with the Migrant, Immigrant, and Refugee Rights (MIRR) Alliance.