Leila is an energetic community advocate and a devout muslim with a passion to help bring positive change in the community. She was born somalis and she speaks seven languages.
Leiala Abubakar
The Brisbane-based mother of two began her career as an interpreter for the Immigration Department and develop a keen interest in advocating for vulnerable members of the community. She has worked in a broad range of senior management posts with government, council and non-profit organisations.
Lelia was previously a member of the Queensland Multicultural Roundtable, the Refugees Resettlement Advisory Council, and the Council for Multicultural Australia. She also campaigned against female genital mutilation .
In 2014- Leila ran for office as the Liberal National Party of Queensland candidate for Yeerongpilly electoral district. She came in second place, earning 31.4% of the total vote in the first round run-off and 36.7% in the final round against the eventual winner, MarK Bailey of the Labor Party.
Abukar has received various awards and recognition for her societal work. In 2001, she was presented a Centenary Medal by the Australian government for her contributions to Crisis Counselling, Advocacy and Settlement vis-a-vis the Somali community and other immigrant populations in Queensland.
