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Tina Leslie

Tina Leslie stands smiling at the camera, in red and green graduation robes.

Presentation address by Dr Sally Chan

Chancellor,

At the University of Leeds, we are committed to embedding sustainability in everything we do. To us, sustainability means creating value for society by taking responsibility for our economic, cultural, social and environmental impacts. We draw upon the diverse expertise of our partners and collaborators to find sustainable solutions to local, national and global challenges.

Today, we recognise an individual whose work has transformed lives, challenged inequality and advanced social justice. We have been fortunate to work alongside Tina Leslie MBE, whose exceptional contributions to public health, gender equality and community empowerment have had a profound impact across Leeds and beyond.

As Founder and Chief Executive of Freedom4Girls, Tina has led the fight against period poverty, ensuring that thousands of people each year have access to essential menstrual products, education and support. Through her leadership, the charity has challenged the stigma surrounding menstruation, empowered individuals to speak openly about their experiences, and advocated for those facing financial hardship, social exclusion and discrimination. Her work has particularly benefited marginalised communities, including people seeking asylum, those experiencing homelessness, disabled people and individuals from underserved backgrounds.

Prior to establishing Freedom4Girls, Tina dedicated seventeen years to improving health outcomes for disadvantaged communities as a Health Improvement Practitioner within Leeds City Council's Public Health Localities Team. Her commitment to tackling health inequalities and improving the lives of others has been unwavering throughout her career.
Tina's outstanding contribution has been recognised nationally. She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to tackling period poverty and creating positive change within communities, and her commitment to volunteering was further acknowledged through the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, awarded to Freedom4Girls in 2021. Alongside her work in public health and social justice, she has served as a Trustee of the Chapel Allerton Arts Festival, helping to enrich the cultural life of Leeds, and continues to support local foodbanks and community initiatives. Since 2025, she has devoted herself full-time to charitable work.

Tina has also been a valued and longstanding partner of the University of Leeds, particularly through her close collaboration with the Lifelong Learning Centre's Communities and Partnerships Team. Through her advocacy for widening participation in higher education, she has encouraged countless individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to consider university study. Her support and encouragement have directly contributed to many mature students taking their place at the University of Leeds and achieving their educational ambitions.

Having grown up in Leeds, Tina's deep connection to the city and her enduring partnership with the University exemplify the powerful relationship between grassroots action and systemic change. Her work reflects the University's values of community, collaboration and inclusion and has contributed significantly to the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to the eradication of poverty, gender equality and the reduction of inequalities.

Above all, Tina Leslie embodies the qualities of a true changemaker. Through her compassion, determination and leadership, she has inspired others to act, to challenge injustice and to build stronger, more equitable communities. Her work serves as a powerful example to our graduates of the impact that can be achieved through commitment, courage and service to others.

Chancellor, it is my great pleasure to present to you, for the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa, Bettina Leslie.