Growing up in Northern California, Leilani was surrounded by a large family. Her true spirit of hospitality came from her grandparents who owned a small event planning company. Her grandmother, a strong-willed ray of sunshine was the florist and face of the company, while her grandfather provided custom designs. It was from them she learned just how important good work ethic, client rapport, and spirit of community is.

After graduating from California State University of Sacramento with a degree in Organizational Communications, she moved to Las Vegas and began working for Bradley Ogden Hospitality as a General Manager. During her time with them, Leilani assisted opening properties in Las Vegas, Houston, and Silicon Valley.

Relocating back to the Bay Area, in 2017 Leilani joined forces with Mina Group as an Operations Manager then growing into the role of Director of Restaurants for their emerging brand International Smoke. It was there Leilani was able to cultivate some of her most fond professional and personal friendships working alongside some of the industry’s best and brightest.

After a few years in Las Vegas creating Heart & Vine Hospitality, opening properties at Resorts World and UnCommons, with Mina Group Alumni, Jason Rocheleau, Leilani has returned to Mina Group as VP of Operations.