Leila Bičakčić (chair) is a media development and investigative journalism professional from Bosnia and Herzegovina, serving as a founding member and leader of the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIN) in Sarajevo. Since the organization’s establishment in 2004, she has played a key role in developing and managing investigative reporting projects focused on corruption, organized crime, public spending, judicial accountability, and governance.
With an academic background in physics and economics from the University of Sarajevo, Leila combines analytical rigor with extensive experience in journalism, project management, fundraising, and civil society development. She has led numerous national and regional initiatives aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, media freedom, and citizen participation in public life.
Under her leadership, CIN has become one of the most respected investigative journalism organizations in Southeast Europe, producing evidence-based investigations that have contributed to public debate, institutional reforms, criminal investigations, and increased accountability of public officials. Her work has also included mentoring journalists, coordinating international partnerships, serving on grant-selection juries, and supporting capacity-building programs for media and civil society organizations across the Western Balkans.
Leila is a strong advocate for independent journalism as a public good and believes that access to accurate, evidence-based information is essential for informed decision-making, democratic participation, and holding those in power accountable.
