Leo Campbell has spent more than two decades shaping the landscape of diaspora engagement, community development, and youth leadership across Canada and beyond. Now a candidate for the 2025 Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) Canada seat, he brings a legacy defined by collaboration, vision, and a deep commitment to advancing Jamaican communities worldwide.

Born in Kingston and raised in Canada, Campbell’s work reflects a lifetime spent connecting cultures, strengthening institutions, and building pathways for young people to lead. His portfolio of service includes leadership roles in some of the country’s most prominent Black-led organizations. As immediate past Board Chair of Caribbean African Canadian Social Services (CAFCAN), he guided the agency through the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing governance systems and expanding responsive programming. His long relationship with the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA), where he served as Communications Director, Executive Vice President, and Board Vice Chair, helped modernize one of Canada’s oldest Black community institutions. He also contributed to board oversight and program development at Roots Community Services Inc., serving the Black, African, and Caribbean communities in Peel Region.

Campbell’s influence extends far beyond Canada’s borders. His journey in diaspora affairs began in 2006 when he joined five young Canadian delegates at the Jamaica Diaspora Conference. There, he helped propose the introduction of a dedicated Future Leaders arm in every region, a resolution that would later transform diaspora engagement globally. Within a few years, he was appointed Future Leaders Observer and Representative for Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. at Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ultimately becoming the first voting board member representing youth across all regions.

From 2007 to 2015, he became one of the most visible champions of Jamaican youth in the Diaspora. As Coordinating Chair for Future Leaders, he organized major international conferences, including the 2008 Diaspora Future Leaders Conference in Kingston and the first Global Future Leaders Conference at the University of the West Indies, Mona. Under his leadership, Canada sent one of its largest-ever delegations, more than 50 young professionals, to participate in a landmark global forum.

His efforts also strengthened Jamaica’s health partnerships abroad. In 2012, he helped coordinate the official Toronto visit of Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Permanent Secretary, resulting in historic MOUs between the Government of Jamaica, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and The Hospital for Sick Children. He later served as Vice President of the Jamaica Diaspora Canada Foundation (JDCF) and represented Canada on the Diaspora Advisory Board.

At home, Campbell’s civic engagement includes advisory roles in Mississauga, Kitchener, and Brampton, as well as leadership positions with the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) and the Toronto Adventist District School Board. He is also the founder of the Young Black & Gifted Program, which celebrates excellence among Black youth.

Recognized with awards from the JCA and the United Negro College Fund, Campbell is completing a Master’s in Education at the University of Toronto. His candidacy for the 2025 GJDC reflects a continued promise: to unite regions, empower youth, and advance Jamaica’s development through strong, strategic diaspora leadership.

Election period is from November 20 to December 13, and you can vote at www.connectmeja.com

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