Leela Strong is the Newhouse Director of the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University’s Tisch College of Civic Life, overseeing research on youth civic participation. At CIRCLE, she directs research on voting trends, civic education, and policies affecting young Americans, informing advocates, educators, and policymakers. Her work strengthens democratic participation through evidence-based initiatives.

Previously, as Global Director of Nike’s Made to Play Initiative, she managed Nike’s philanthropic strategy that reached 1.3 million children in 40+ countries. She led impact evaluation and advocacy efforts to increase equity in youth sports access. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles in public health and humanitarian organizations, focusing on infectious disease prevention and community development.
Strong holds a BA from Lafayette College, an MPH from Boston University, and executive certificates from Oxford’s Saïd Business School and Harvard Chan School of Public Health. With 25 years of experience spanning nonprofits, philanthropy, and corporate social impact, she specializes in data-driven strategies to advance youth engagement and social equity.