Empowering Through Resilience: The Journey of Leila Parsa
In the intricate medley of leadership narratives, one story emerges as a beacon of resilience, determination, and unwavering perseverance – the remarkable journey of Leila Parsa. Born into the tumultuous landscape of Iranian Kurdistan, Leila’s odyssey began amidst the chaos of political unrest, which forced her family to seek refuge in Sweden when she was merely sixteen. This early encounter with displacement instilled within her resilience and fortitude that would shape her trajectory in profound ways.
Leila’s childhood was marked by challenges, yet it was also characterized by an unwavering determination to overcome adversity. “Growing up as a refugee, I learned the value of resilience and perseverance from a young age,” she reflects. “Those early experiences taught me that no matter how daunting the obstacles may seem, with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.”
Growing up in Sweden, her natural curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit blossomed. Armed with a business administration degree, she embarked on ventures in interior design and the beauty industry. Each venture reflected her vision of injecting beauty and harmony into people’s lives. However, fate had a different plan. A passion for education led her on an unexpected foray – entering the male-dominated construction industry to build a preschool.
This project embodied Leila’s conceptual thinking, but it wasn’t without challenges. As a woman with an immigrant background, she faced skepticism and bias. Yet, she refused to be deterred. Each obstacle became a stepping stone, propelling her forward on her quest to create a unique learning environment for children.
Throughout her illustrious career of conceptualizing and constructing multiple pre-schools, Leila Parsa’s unwavering commitment to excellence has been the driving force behind her triumphs. From overseeing multimillion-dollar projects to revolutionizing industry standards, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of achievable goals, inspiring those around her to aspire to greater heights.
Leila’s journey has not gone unnoticed, garnering her recognition and accolades for her outstanding contributions to the field. In 2013, she was heralded as one of the fastest-growing companies in the county, a testament to her entrepreneurial prowess. Additionally, her impact on both the business community and society at large was acknowledged when she was named one of the “Settlers of the Year” in 2013.
In 2015, Leila Parsa’s dedication and innovation were acknowledged with a nomination for the prestigious “Entrepreneur of the Year” award, underscoring her remarkable achievements in the industry. In 2024, Leila’s commitment to fostering a health-promoting learning environment has been reaffirmed as Salutogenic Learning Environment by International Academy for Design and Health
Balancing the demands of work and family life has been an ongoing challenge for Leila. As a mother of two, she has often found herself torn between her professional aspirations and her duties at home. Yet, through meticulous planning and unwavering support from her family, Leila has managed to strike a delicate balance between her roles as a leader, a mother, and a wife.
Leila finds solace and joy in her hobbies, particularly in cooking, which she views not just as a pastime but as a creative outlet to express herself and nurture her loved ones. In her leisure time, she enjoys immersing herself in nature, finding tranquility and inspiration amidst the beauty of the outdoors.
Leila draws inspiration from her own journey and the challenges she has overcome along the way. She credits her mother as her greatest role model, whose unwavering support and resilience have been a source of strength and guidance throughout her life.
On a Saturday at 11 AM, you can find Leila tending to her nursery, caring for her chickens, and nurturing her connection with nature. Alternatively, she may be found at home, cooking and spending quality time with her family.
Leila is passionate about empowering women in the workplace and believes in cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages their growth and development. She advocates for mentorship programs and leadership opportunities to help women achieve more prominent roles within their organizations.
In the journey of life, Leila has worked tirelessly to break barriers and pave the way for future generations of leaders. From her humble beginnings in Swedish Kurdistan to her ascent to the pinnacle of the construction industry, she has demonstrated that anything is possible with determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment. As she continues to inspire and empower others to reach for the stars, Leila Parsa’s legacy will endure as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
