Island Beginnings Born in the picturesque Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Leilani’s passion for performance began early. At just 16, she launched her professional dance career, mastering Ballet, Jazz, Bellydance, Tap, Latin, and Theater. Her deep-rooted dedication quickly set her apart, laying the foundation for an extraordinary journey.
A Star on Stage Her talent soon transcended the studio. Leilani took on iconic roles in off-Broadway productions like Annie and The Nutcracker, captivating audiences with her grace and expressive power. Each performance became a stepping stone to greater stages and larger ambitions.
Breaking into Acting Driven by a love for storytelling, Leilani pursued acting opportunities across theater and film. She auditioned for powerful roles, including the lead in an independent musical film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet and Anne Frank in the London stage production of The Diary of Anne Frank. While she wasn’t selected for Juliet, these experiences expanded her reach and refined her craft.
Called to Screen Leilani’s versatility and unique look earned her callbacks for major commercial projects, including campaigns for Hawaiian Airlines, public service announcements for Hawaii’s Health Department, and a Spotify ad featuring Bad Bunny. Though the roles didn’t materialize, the recognition reaffirmed her potential across industries.
A Legacy Role in Theater In a role deeply personal to her heritage, Leilani portrayed Betsey Ward in Nanyehi: The Musical at Hard Rock Live in Tulsa, with acclaimed actor Wes Studi as the lead. The production, staged by Tulsa Theater, honored the story of her 7th great-grandmother, Nanyehi—known as Nancy Ward—the Beloved Woman of the Cherokee Nation. The opportunity to bring her own ancestral legacy to life on stage was both a career milestone and a spiritual homecoming.
Fashion’s Global Muse Leilani has become a staple in fashion weeks across the world—New York, Paris, Milan, LA, and Miami. Whether walking for top designers or starring in campaigns, she brings elegance and power to every runway. Her magazine credits include Elle, Maxim Australia, Maxim New Zealand, Billboard Hip Hop Magazine, Savoir Faire, and The Hollywood Magazine.
A Voice that Commands Not just a performer, Leilani is a self-published singer-songwriter with a remarkable five-octave vocal range. She’s performed during BET Awards Week, Big Game Weekend, and with institutions like Latin Ballet of Virginia. Her upcoming debut album, set for release via United Masters, promises to showcase her dynamic sound and lyrical storytelling.
Impact Beyond the Arts Leilani is a three-time Anthem Award winner for her advocacy work in gender-based violence, human trafficking, and Aboriginal rights. Her activism is more than a cause—it’s a calling. She speaks out not for attention but for change, using her platform to amplify voices that often go unheard.
A Multi-Dimensional Talent With acting workshops at Soho Shakespeare Co. NY and dance training from renowned institutions like Ballet Hispanico and Washington Ballet, Leilani continuously sharpens her craft. Her collaborations with photographers like Udo Spreitzenbarth and Krissy King have only deepened her visual storytelling.
Poised for the Spotlight Now represented by ADR Agency, Listed Management, and Urge Management, Leilani is competing in Maxim modeling contests and is a quarterfinalist in America’s Next Top Hitmaker. A potential performance at Global Citizen Festival and a Rolling Stone cover may be on the horizon.
The Future of Influence Leilani is more than a model, more than a singer, and more than an activist. She’s a global force—where beauty meets purpose, and art meets advocacy. For Dubai Magazine, she embodies the evolution of the modern icon: bold, brilliant, and built for legacy.
Editor-in-Chief of Dubai Magazine, and a columnist for Entrepreneur, Middle East Magazine, CEO Magazine, and The Hollywood Magazine. Known for building one of the fastest-growing media networks spotlighting influential voices across business, fashion, and culture. Passionate about telling stories that matter and creating platforms that elevate global talent.
