"Heather has demonstrated a remarkable ability to jump into complex situations, come up the learning curve and fast-track solutions to problems half-a-world away..." Connie K. Duckworth, CEO of the largest Afghan women's organization & 1st Female Manager, Goldman Sachs, NYC
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Leading in a crisis with strategic clarity
Horrified at the headlines and footage emerging from Afghanistan in August 2021, I reached out to my former student, Maryam, to determine if she was okay. She pleaded with me to do something for her mother and sister--both women's educational leaders, trapped in Kabul. I had no military contacts, nor experience in Central Asia. However, I knew I had to answer her urgent request. This began a 16-month odyssey to extricate these women's leaders and the rest of Maryam's family, freeing several Afghan engineering students along the way.
"Dr. Lebrun possesses impressive leadership skills; works well under high stress; and exhibits sensitivity...She possesses exceptional communication skills... forging crucial alliances..." Maryam, Afghan women's rights leader and university student, Canada
Initiating innovative solutions that support our youth
When I was working as a high school teacher in Hawai'i, so many of our young people were not making it to graduation. Public school was not adequately preparing them for their lives ahead; they needed equipping in order to flourish in their future work, families, and communities. I recruited a dynamic staff of community leaders, and together we initiated a program that addressed this gap in our community. We were there to support these important young people to transition into young adulthood.
"Dr. Lebrun’s ability to tailor the program to the unique needs of the students, fostering resilience and creating an atmosphere that inspired pride in their Hawaiian identity, had a profound effect that extended far beyond the classroom." Kumu Leihiʻilani Kirkpatrick, Hawai'i
Re-imagining new horizons for the next generation
My second year as a high school teacher, I was asked by my administration to coordinate the Close Up trip, a government studies excursion for a handful of students who could pay for themselves to travel to Washington, D.C. from Hawai'i. Twenty students accompanied me to D.C. that year--most of whom had never left the islands--but we fundraised the entire amount in a short time. Through anonymous donations and lots of hard work, we miraculously came up with the funds. These are some of the students who traveled that year; they refer to me as the 'Money-Maker' in this photo for helping them raise all the monies.
"Heather possesses a strong sense of justice and concern for people on the margins...She is highly organized, motivated and resourceful, displaying extraordinary leadership..." Dr. Lucy Michaels, Research Fellow, Food Systems Transformation, University of Hertfordshire, UK
Amplifying the voices of those who need to be heard
"She collaborated with us to gather stories of our challenges, highlighting our struggles for land, justice and the restoration for Hawai’i’s sovereignty..." Ku'uleialoha Punua, President & Founder of Kūkulu Kumuhana O Anahola, Hawai'i
Impacting policy for women, youth, and community through collaborative research
"Dr. Lebrun’s dissertation is a compelling work of politically relevant scholarship, grounded in self-critical and responsible community engagement, and offering constructive responses to systemic injustice..." Dr. Sharon D. Welch, Author and Retired Provost, Professor, USA
Connecting key people to push through legislation to reduce human trafficking in the Middle East
"She networked in the community, building relationships that expanded the coalition to end sex slavery in this region...a potential lasting impact at a national legislative level." Human Rights Attorney, Joshua Pex, Israel
Serving youth & community with passionate dedication for 20 years
