In addition to being a poet, Leilani is a multi-hyphenate Theatre Creative with a Bachelors in Theatre from Chapman University in Orange County, CA. With a strong foundation in acting, directing, playwriting, and dramaturgy, she has been invited as guest speaker for Chapman's "Theatre for Social Change" class twice since she has graduated in 2022. 

 

In response to the rise in anti-Asian hate during COVID, Leilani produced, directed, and facilitated the creation of "Standing Proud: a Collection of our Asian Voices," a powerful original devised theatre project that received sold-out runs and standing ovations from audiences. Her work has also garnered recognition, including the inaugural "Excellence in Scholarship and Research" award, a nomination for the "Henry's Outstanding Performer Award," and the "Outstanding Leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" nomination. Additionally, she is an Asian Pacific American Friends of the Theatre scholarship recipient for her playwriting.

Currently, she is working on a one-woman show on grief in Asian Culture.