Manuela Ferreira Leite was born in Arganil, Portugal. Despite her being born in a family of successful lawyers, she chose to follow Finance and Economics and got an undergraduate degree in Finance from ISEG Business School. In the past, Manuela held several positions within the Portuguese Government, including Minister of Education between 1993 and 1995, and 112th Minister of State and Finances between April 2002 and 2004. In 2006, she was nominated Non-Executive Director of the Portuguese Banco Santander Totta. She was also, between 2006 and 2008, Member of the Council of State, designated by the President of the Republic of Portugal.
In 2008, she was elected leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD). After leaving PSD, she retired from politics and currently, she runs a weekly program where she comments about politics and current state affairs.
Manuela was married to Rui Ferreira Leite with whom she has three children and two grandchildren.