Belong. Succeed. Thrive.
Leanne Sigvartsen has spent more than 20 years helping young people achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. Her career reflects a longstanding commitment to improving individual well-being, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for people to thrive.
Leanne originally trained in Australia as a youth and young adult psychologist. Her two graduate research theses explored recovery from trauma, disempowerment, and gender issues associated with adverse workplace experiences. She has also undertaken professional training in business administration and the development of competency-based learning programs in tertiary education.
After working as a therapist for over a decade, Leanne transitioned into nonprofit leadership, serving as an Executive Officer for Lifeline in Australia and Research and Special Projects Director for the Chicago-based Center for Collaborative Study of Trauma, Health Equity, and Neurobiology (THEN Center). She currently serves as Executive Director of the Tarragindi Initiative, where she draws upon her experience in psychology, research, education, and nonprofit management to develop programs that foster belonging, community engagement, and a sense of place.
Leanne is a dynamic, solution-focused critical thinker with a ready smile and a listening ear. She has a particular talent for translating complex, comprehensive research into accessible and engaging information for audiences of varying ages and backgrounds. Her strong communication and interpersonal skills enable her to build relationships, develop community initiatives, and inspire people to take an active role in helping their communities thrive.
Having lived and worked in the United States, Australia, and Germany, Leanne brings an international perspective to her work and holds citizenship in the United States, Australia, and Malta. She is deeply committed to professionalism, integrity, equity, and inclusion.
