Leilani
Award-Winning Poet, Curator and Theatre Creative
About
Leilani
Leilani is an award-winning, internationally ranked spoken word poet and multi-disciplinary theater artist hailing from Honolulu and currently based in Brooklyn, New York. She has performed extensively across New York City and Honolulu including having opened for Rupi Kaur along with featuring at over 25 events at prominent venues such as the Bowery Poetry Club, and has led workshops for organizations like the New York Poetry Society. In the slam poetry circuit, she has garnered multiple awards, including winning the Brooklyn Poetry Slam at BRIC, 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 the founder and host of the Sakura Series (@sakura.series), where she has produced, hosted, and curated 13+ events. This writing workshop, open mic, and slam series is dedicated to fostering growth and self-development in its participants. 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. For her, writing and performing are both an honor and a privilege, and she looks forward to continuing her creative journey for a lifetime.
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Testimonials
From an educator and a collaborator !
Christina is an extraordinary leader. She is kind and compassionate, and her authenticity inspires those around her to be authentic in their own presentation of self. She earnestly values listening and honoring the voices of others and is a strong communicator. She has earned respect from faculty and peers because she is honest, trustworthy, and a very hard worker.
Dr. Jenny Jacobs, Chapman University Theatre Professor
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Christina is incredibly compassionate, clever, and one of the best directors I have worked with in my time as an actor. She cares a lot about her actors and provides a safe space to fail and have fun! I will never forget my time working with her on Standing Proud; it’s one of those experiences that  stay with you for the rest of your life.