Ms Jenica Leah
Jenica Leah is an award-winning author, global sickle cell advocate, and founder of My Friend Jen, a UK and Caribbean-based non-profit dedicated to supporting individuals living with sickle cell. Living with sickle cell herself, Jenica uses her lived experience to break down stigma, improve awareness, and advocate for better health outcomes across diverse communities. As President of the European Sickle Cell Federation, she leads initiatives that address racial disparities and cultural misconceptions surrounding sickle cell in Europe. Through international speaking engagements, children's literature, and multimedia campaigns, Jenica challenges the invisibility of the disease and empowers others to own their stories. Her advocacy bridges the gap between patient experience and systemic change—particularly in regions where stigma, cultural silence, and lack of understanding continue to limit progress.