From The Farm To The Boardroom: Leisa Bryant’s Leadership Journey
In the small farming village of Jamaica, a country where “No Woman No Cry” originated and there is “Nuff Respect,” Leisa’s story began. Leisa was born into a family that had little in the way of material wealth, but what they lacked in possessions, they made up for in love and support. Her parents, hardworking farmers, instilled in her the core values of integrity, respect, and the importance of education. They taught her that even the smallest seed could grow into something beautiful with enough care and dedication.
Leisa’s childhood was filled with laughter and the carefree charm of island life. She spent her summers helping her parents in the fields, playing with her siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins, and soaking in the wisdom of her community. Despite the absence of modern conveniences like electricity and plumbing, Leisa thrived in an environment rich with values and the camaraderie of a close-knit community. She dreamed of a future beyond the horizon, fueled by the belief that hard work and education was her ticket to a better life.
During her college years, Leisa made the bold decision to migrate to the United States. With little more than hope and a fierce determination to succeed, she juggled multiple support jobs—babysitting, housekeeping, companion aide, and dietary services—all while attending college to become a registered dietitian.
As a registered dietitian in healthcare, Leisa rose through the ranks of the healthcare industry to become an Executive Director where she led teams as large as over 550 full-time employees. Leisa, throughout her career, championed many initiatives aimed at enhancing the healthcare experience of patients, staff, and stakeholders. Her ability to connect with people, a skill honed during her childhood in the tight-knit farming community, became her greatest asset.
Ambitious and driven, Leisa pursued further education, earning a master’s degree in community education and another in business administration. She understood that knowledge was a powerful tool, one that could help her make a difference in the world. To further cement her expertise, she became certified as a Patient Experience Professional (CPXP) and earned the prestigious title of Fellow of the American College of Hospital Executives (FACHE).
At the heart of Leisa’s leadership style is the principle of servant leadership. She believes authentic leadership is being present and engaged. Thus, she made it a priority to serve her staff by dedicating time to mentoring and coaching her team and inspiring them to strive for personal and professional excellence. Her office was always open, and her compassion resonated through the halls of the healthcare departments she oversaw.
As Leisa’s reputation grew, so did her responsibilities. She was appointed and is now serving as the 2024 president of the Association for Healthcare Foodservice, a position that allowed her to share her expertise and insights with industry professionals across the country.
Through every achievement, Leisa remained grounded in her roots. She often participates in fundraising and charitable events in her community and in her home country of Jamaica. She cherishes the fact that her journey from the farm to the boardroom was not just about personal success; it was about lifting others as she climbed.
Leisa’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From her humble beginnings to power moves in boardrooms of the U.S., she embodied the spirit of a true leader—one who not only aspired to make a difference but actively did so, inspiring countless others along the way. Her legacy is one of empowerment, proving that with integrity, hard work, and a commitment to serve, anyone could achieve greatness, no matter where they started.
When asked “with your busy life, what do you do to find balance?”. Leisa laughed and replied “I am a farm girl at heart. I have a beautiful backyard garden that brings me joy, feeds me, and helps me to recover from work stress.”
