Leila has spent the past decade serving her community, working with neighbors and local organizations to strengthen Melrose and the surrounding region. As a City Councilor for the past 6 years, and Council President for the past two, she has a deep understanding of how local policies directly impact residents of all ages and backgrounds. 

Throughout her 25+ years in higher education, government, and non-profits, Leila has shown that she shows up and gets the job done. She has led on the issues that matter, including the creation of the first-ever Melrose Affordable Housing Trust, enacting tax breaks for seniors, advocating for critical infrastructure projects, and supporting public schools.

Leila lives in Melrose with her husband, her two children and her rescue dog, Ruby. When not serving her community, you can find her on the baseball or soccer field, or supporting local businesses and restaurants across the district. 

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Public Service

Melrose City Council (2020-2025)

President (2024, 2025)

Committee Leadership:

• Appropriations & Oversight Committee: Chair (2023); Vice Chair (2022, 2020)

• Legal & Legislative Committee: Chair (2022)

• Finance Committee: Chair (2020, 2021)

• Health, Education & Welfare: Vice Chair (2021)

Mayoral Task Forces

Finance Task Force (2025)

Advisory Task Force on & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (2021)

Melrose Human Rights Commission (2017-2019)

Professional

Tufts University, Senior Director, Stewardship & Donor Relations
Center for Women & Enterprise, Manager, Corporate & Foundation Relations
The Boston Foundation, Development Assistant

education

Providence College, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Tufts University, Masters of Public Policy