San Diego Yokohama Sister City Society

Dr. Leila Naderi is a higher education leader, leadership researcher, and ecosystem builder with over 15 years of international and domestic experience, including 8+ years in higher education. 

She is the Founder and Co-Chair of the San Diego Yokohama Leadership Academy (SYLA), the first leadership innovation ecosystem grounded in sister city principles and the Yoga for Leadership framework to empower leaders, bridge cultures, foster collaboration, and promote peace.

Dr. Naderi has led complex initiatives across the University of San Diego, Alliant University, and the City of San Diego. Her expertise spans strategic leadership, partnership development, industry relations, international education, and cross-sector collaborations among higher education, government, business, and global communities.