Leisha is a venture designer and brand strategist whose career across three continents has given her fluency in how design and information move across cultures and markets. Her practice is grounded in the belief that in a knowledge-led society, the way we create, distribute, store, and use information demands thoughtful, intentional design.

Leisha’s approach to her work has been shaped by her roles with organizations including Arup, PwC, MDMD, UNAIDS, and most recently at Cognition, a strategy studio for health and life science innovation. Across these engagements — spanning art, biotech, education, health, music, and technology — she has worked to advance equity alongside peers in design, entrepreneurship, and academia.

A recognized community builder and thought leader, Leisha has exhibited data visualization and design work at galleries including the National Gallery of Victoria (AUS) and Gaffa Gallery (AUS), with features in Desktop Magazine, Time Out, and PRINT’s design annual. She has served as a council member for AGDA (Australian Graphic Design Association) and AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts).

In 2022, she returned to her alma mater as a lecturer at the University of Washington, where she earned her BFA. She has also guest lectured at Holmesglen Institute, Singapore Institute of Management, the Academy of Design Australia, and RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology), where she earned her MEd.

Industry: Life Sciences, Biotech, and Health Tech

Why I’m excited to be part of WIN Awards: I’ve learned that innovation rarely happens in isolation. It happens in community. It’s an honor to be recognized by the WIN Awards — an organization expanding that community for women working across diverse fields. I’m excited to stand side by side and celebrate what’s come before and support the innovations still ahead.