“The fact is that Leeta is very strong, but in ways that are unpredictable; not wearing-a-uniform kick-ass way that Kira was, certainly, but in an equally profound way.
Leeta didn’t wear her strength in terms of the obvious warrior type. She had an internal strength that I think we can learn a lot of lessons from. It’s sad when people see her as eye candy.”
- Chase Masterson, Star Trek Magazine, February 2013
It’s worth noting Leeta in the context she grew up in: the Cardassian Occupation. (From my memory, there are no canon hints that she grew up anywhere other than Occupied Bajor.)
Her positive outlook and compassion is pure strength. Leeta is one of the characters with actual financial insecurity (does Bajor even have a social safety net up and running for unemployment?) and she still chooses to form a union. Or for that matter, marry Rom who has a shaky record with financial security himself. Leeta’s also charismatic, confident, and naturally good at leadership/persuasion. Leeta’s great.
