Leoma G Gilley
Leoma Gilley is an award-winning non-fiction author whose writing is shaped by a lifetime of global experience, deep faith, and a passion for helping others navigate life with clarity and purpose. As the founder of Leoma’s Books, she has published a growing collection of works that combine storytelling, insight, and practical wisdom. Her acclaimed memoir series, Not How I Planned It, draws from her remarkable 20 years working in Sudan. She has earned recognition for her book Life in a Tumble Dryer including the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, the BookFest Third-place Award, and the International Impact Book Award. Leoma's storytelling is both honest and vivid, offering readers a window into cross-cultural service, resilience, and the unexpected journeys that shape a life. Before becoming a full-time author, Leoma dedicated more than four decades to SIL International, where she served for nine years as Director of Training. Her career in linguistics and language development has taken her across the world, supported by a strong academic foundation that includes a PhD in Linguistics from the University of London and a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee. These experiences not only informed her work with minority languages but also equipped her with a unique lens through which she now writes about faith, community, and personal growth. Today, Leoma continues to inspire readers of all ages, including young adults facing the challenges of “adulting.” Her upcoming book speaks directly to this audience, blending Christian perspective with practical guidance on decision-making, work-life balance, purpose, and caring for others. Whether through memoir, mentorship, or teaching, Leoma remains committed to helping people find meaning, direction, and connection in a rapidly changing world.
• University of London
• University of London- Ph.D.
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville- B.S.
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville- Master's
• Marquis Who's Who
• Top 100 Professionals for 2026
• International Impact Book Awards
• Literary Titan Gold Book Award
• Women in Publishing
• Institute for the Development of Languages and Translation in Africa (iDELTA)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to following the call God placed on my life and committing myself wholeheartedly to the people and purposes He put before me. Every step—from speech therapy to Bible translation to teaching and writing—has been guided by faith, perseverance, and a deep desire to serve others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Whatever role I hold, my purpose is to love people. (Ben Haden)
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Follow God's plan for your life and give yourself wholly to it. You must excel, or your voice will not be heard. Live boldly, be prepared to serve, live a life that honors God.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As an author, helping people find my books is a huge challenge. With the option of self-publishing, there is a lot of competition, and marketing is not my strong-suit.
As a missionary-linguist there are many opportunities to discover and document little-known languages. Training has been a significant focus for me, and I believe offering the educational opportunities we have enjoyed to people in other parts of the world is important. If they have the skills and knowledge, they can change their communities and countries for the better.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my work and personal life, I value simplicity, creativity, and nurturing what matters most—whether that’s tending a garden, knitting something by hand, caring for my cats, or exploring the world with a spirit of curiosity and gratitude.
Milestone Moments
Students and Staff of iDELTA in Uganda.