Message from the Founder/CEO

Founder

Leila Halaby

I was born in the city of Buchanan, Liberia, West Africa. My unique heritage reflects the fusion of my cultures, with my Lebanese father, and my mother being a proud Liberian. As the third child of six siblings, my childhood took a turn when my father left Liberia for the United States when I was just 8 years old and got married to his second wife. My mother, a resilient woman who never had the opportunity for formal education, became the anchor of our family. She tirelessly sold groceries to support all of us and ensure we had access to food, good health, and education.

At the age of 9, I received a scholarship that opened the doors to a boarding school called Voice of America in Liberia. Living at the boarding school became a transformative experience that shaped my formative years, providing me with an education that laid the foundation for my future. After completing junior high at the boarding school, I transitioned to Christian High School in Buchanan, Liberia. Despite the challenges, I persevered and proudly graduated, obtaining my high school certificate.

However, right after my high school graduation, the dark shadows of civil war enveloped Liberia in 1989, persisting until 2003. This devastating conflict claimed the lives of an estimated 150,000 men, women, and children, leaving unforgettable memories on the people of Liberia.

These early experiences, from the strength of my childhood challenges, my mother's resilience, to the challenges faced during the civil war, have shaped my journey and instilled in me a deep sense of determination and compassion for others facing adversity. 

In the midst of the brutal Liberian Civil War, my family and I found ourselves caught in the crossfire, forced to navigate an extremely dangerous journey to escape the threat of violence. Our once peaceful life shattered, we traversed through various places within the country, constantly on the move to avoid the horrors of war that threatened our very existence. Days turned into a harrowing struggle for survival, where the uncertainty of our next meal became a haunting reality. Hunger, a relentless companion, took over our lives as we grappled with the harsh conditions of displacement. We became dependent on aid from international NGOs, our lifeline in a world where basic necessities were a luxury. In our desperate quest for safety, we faced unimaginable challenges. Drinking water from dirty wells became a norm, and the nights were spent shivering in tanks, where cold winds penetrated every corner. Bathing was a luxury we could seldom afford, and the harsh reality of our circumstances weighed heavily on our spirits.

It was in the face of such adversity that my family and I made the difficult decision to seek refuge in neighboring countries. Our journey took us first to Guinea and then to Dianna, Ivory Coast, where we arrived at a refugee camp. Life in the camp was a new chapter of challenges, where hopelessness seemed to be our only companion. We had nothing to look forward to, and each day was a prayer for the war to end and for normalcy to return to our shattered lives.

In the midst of despair, the strength of family and the resilience of the human spirit became our guiding lights. The experience shaped my identity, instilling in me a profound appreciation for peace and stability. These memories remain imprinted in my mind,  making me strong, brave, determined and resilient even the darkest times. 

My life's journey has been a testament to the strength of the human spirit, overcoming the trials of displacement and adversity.

While in exile in Dianna, Ivory Coast, I encountered the love of my life, who played a crucial role in supporting my journey to the United States. Upon arriving in the U.S., I was embraced by the warmth of family – my father and my stepmother, who graciously opened their home to me. Eager to pursue education, I enrolled at Los Angeles Valley College to study nursing. Despite facing financial challenges, I worked tirelessly, balancing full-time employment and full-time studies, sometimes facing the threat of being pulled from class due to late tuition payments. Determined to carve out a future, I graduated from Los Angeles Valley College with an associate degree in Nursing. I secured a position as a registered nurse at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, CA, and later expanded my career by joining the Cardiothoracic unit at Ronald Reagan UCLA, Los Angeles as a registered Nurse.

Becoming a single mother to my son, Xavier Ahossouhe, presented its own set of challenges after my divorce. Raising him alone in the USA while working full-time required resilience and faith. With the grace of God, Xavier and I not only survived but thrived. Obtaining my green card marked a significant milestone, prompting me to further my education. I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western Governor University in Salt Lake City and a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nurse Practitioner at the University of Phoenix, Glendale, CA. Today, I proudly serve as a Nurse Practitioner and a Registered Nurse, embodying the spirit of perseverance. My journey, from the uncertainties of war to professional success, is a perfect example of the strength derived from facing life's challenges.

The challenges I've faced in my own life have ignited a deep sense of empathy and a profound desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, particularly the vulnerable populations in Liberia. I have personally experienced the struggles faced by children, women, the elderly, and those with disabilities, and I am compelled to use my experiences, education, and career to be a voice for those who may not have one. I refuse to remain silent in the face of their suffering. Instead, I aspire to serve as a beacon of hope and advocate for positive change. My goal is to bring the world's attention to the challenges faced by my fellow Liberians, creating awareness that can lead to tangible support. Through awareness campaigns and fundraising initiatives, I aim to gather support and donations that will directly contribute to improving the lives of those in need. My focus extends to providing educational opportunities, sex and contractive educations, women’s health, clean water, cleanliness,  sanitation, maternal and infant health education, healthcare resources, mobility devices and assistance for the most vulnerable members of society.

By leveraging my experiences, education, and career,
I hope to inspire others to join the cause and work towards a better life for the people of Liberia. Together, we can make a positive difference and elevate the lives of those who need it most."