Empowering
Women & Girls

A seasoned leader and visionary, Dr. Leonard Besong stands at the forefront of EmpowerHer Life Foundation’s mission to uplift, empower, and transform the lives of women and girls across Kenya and beyond. With over 20 years of cross-sector experience in telecommunications, environmental sustainability, and business strategy, Dr. Besong brings a unique blend of expertise to advocate for equality, digital inclusion, and sustainable development. His career is a testament to the power of transformative leadership grounded in empathy, innovation, and a relentless commitment to creating opportunities for those most in need. Currently serving as the Service Operations Manager at British Telecom (BT), Dr. Leonard oversees the major critical incident management of BT\’s extensive IT and network infrastructure. This role involves supporting over 500 services, 700 retail stores, and several contact centers, ensuring seamless service for 30 million BT & EE customers. Dr. Besong has been pivotal in leading rapid response teams to resolve high-severity incidents, including those impacting essential services like the NHS and emergency services. Dr. Besong’s approach reflects his philosophy that resilience, efficiency, and empathy must intersect to deliver impactful outcomes for individuals and communities. Beyond his role in telecommunications, Dr. Besong is deeply committed to environmental sustainability. As the Principal Environmental Consultant at Earth Wide, he leads public policy research across East and Central Africa, focusing on biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and nature conservation. His work drives actionable insights that influence public policy, emphasizing how environmental stewardship can serve as a pathway for social and economic empowerment. This commitment aligns seamlessly with EmpowerHer Life’s vision to empower women by addressing challenges at the intersection of environmental, social, and economic well-being. Dr. Besong’s passion for gender equality and digital inclusion finds powerful expression through his work with EmpowerHer Life Foundation. As Co-founder, he spearheads initiatives aimed at bridging the gender divide, providing women and girls with access to education, technology, and economic opportunities. His leadership draws on his vast experience leading transformative business operations at BELEON Holdings, where he introduced innovative solutions in AI coaching, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and organizational development to empower underrepresented communities. At EmpowerHer Life, Dr. Besong focuses on ensuring that women and girls, especially those in underserved regions, are equipped with the skills and tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Dr. Besong’s academic credentials provide a solid foundation for his leadership. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from London South Bank University and multiple advanced degrees, including a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Business Management. These qualifications not only reflect his expertise in strategic planning and business operations but also reinforce his commitment to fostering sustainable economic models that prioritize inclusion, equity, and opportunity for all. A Fellow of the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP) and recipient of multiple awards for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Dr. Besong’s career has been defined by his unwavering dedication to building inclusive environments where everyone-regardless of gender or background – can flourish. His accolades, including Best Manager for five consecutive years and DEI champion awards, reflect his lifelong commitment to leadership excellence. Dr. Besong’s personal journey is fueled by the belief that empowering women and girls is not just a social necessity but a catalyst for global progress. His ability to navigate complex industries with empathy and innovation allows him to build bridges between technology, sustainability, and empowerment. Through EmpowerHer Life Foundation, he envisions a world where every woman and girl can unleash her full potential, contributing to a more equitable and prosperous future for all.