Leila Luliana Janah
- Born:
- October 9, 1982, Lewiston, New York, USA
- Died:
- January 24, 2020, San Francisco, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Entrepreneur, Author, Businesswoman
Early Life and Education
- Raised in San Leandro, California.
- Received a scholarship to attend the California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS).
- Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in African Development Studies from Harvard University.
Career and Major Achievements
- Founded Samasource (later renamed Sama) in 2008, a social enterprise connecting marginalized populations to digital work.
- Also founded LXMI, a luxury skincare brand focused on ethical sourcing and women's empowerment.
- Authored the book Give Work: Reversing Poverty One Job at a Time.
- Sama was recognized for its innovative approach to poverty alleviation, providing digital services to companies while creating employment opportunities in underserved communities.
- Janah was a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, a Director of CARE USA, and a TechFellow.
Notable Works
- Book: Give Work: Reversing Poverty One Job at a Time (2017)
Legacy and Impact
Leila Janah's work through Sama and LXMI demonstrated the potential of business to create social impact and empower marginalized communities. Her "Give Work" philosophy challenged traditional approaches to international development, focusing on providing dignified employment as a path out of poverty. This 'samasource leila janah biography' highlights her significant contributions to the fields of social entrepreneurship and ethical business practices.