Leilani (@Leilani.poetry_) is an award-winning, internationally ranked spoken word poet and multi-disciplinary theater artist hailing from Honolulu and currently based in Brooklyn, New York. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to addressing the issues and injustices she witnesses in the world, believing strongly in the power of spoken word as a platform to amplify unheard stories and marginalized voices.

Leilani has performed internationally in Japan + Thailand and extensively across New York City and Honolulu, featuring at over 20 events at prominent venues such as the Bowery Poetry Club and has led workshops for organizations like the New York Poetry Society. She has opened for renowned poets like Rupi Kaur and Rudy Francisco.  In the slam poetry circuit, she has garnered multiple awards, including winning the Brooklyn Poetry Slam, the Honolulu Poetry Slam, multiple slams at the renowned Nuyorican Poetry Cafe and being ranked in the top 30 at the Womxn of the World Poetry Slam.

Leilani is also the founder and host of the Sakura Series (@sakura.series), where she has produced, hosted, and curated over 20 events. This writing workshop, open mic, and slam series is dedicated to fostering growth and self-development in its participants. 

Leilani holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies from Chapman University, where she was the inaugural winner of the Excellence in Scholarship and Research award for her creation of "Standing Proud: A Collection of Asian Voices." This all-Asian play centers on celebrating the Asian experience and addressing social issues faced by the community, particularly in light of the rise in anti-Asian violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. For her, writing and performing are both an honor and a privilege, and she can’t wait to do this for the rest of her life.

Contact Leilani at leilanipoetry@gmail.com