Leyla Hussein

Leyla Hussein
Leyla Hussein at Oslo Freedom Forum
Lord Rector of the
University of St Andrews
In office
October 2020  October 2023
Preceded bySrđa Popović
Succeeded byStella Maris
Personal details
Born1980 (age 4445)
Somalia
Alma materThames Valley University
OccupationPsychotherapist and social activist
Known forFounder of Dahlia Project, founder of Daughters of Eve, Chief Executive of Hawa's Haven

Leyla Hussein OBE (Somali: Leyla Xuseen) is a Somali-born British psychotherapist and social activist. She is the founder of Dahlia project, one of the co-founders of the Daughters of Eve non-profit organization and a Chief Executive of Hawa's Haven. In 2020, Hussein was elected Rector of the University of St Andrews, making her the third woman and first woman of colour to hold this position. Hussein received significant criticism during her role as Rector of the University of St Andrews owing to her lack of involvement in the role.