PURPOSE. LEADERSHIP. VISION.

Leilani Lewis is an award-winning speaker, writer, and executive leader with more than two decades of experience driving transformation at the intersection of arts, culture, philanthropy, and social impact. Known for her bold ideas and collaborative approach, Leilani brings deep expertise in new leadership theory, emphasizing co-creation, distributed leadership, and adaptive strategy to foster resilient and inclusive organizations.

 

Organizational Strategist
As the inaugural Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at University of Washington Advancement, Leilani created transformative strategies that now shape best practices in higher education philanthropy. A vetted consultant in 4Culture’s Network of Support, she helps arts and culture organizations build capacity, integrate equity principles, and design strategic plans that stick.

 

Writer
Leilani’s writing tracks contemporary art and exhibitions that are powerful, relevant, and undeniably critical. Her work appears in publications like Arte Noir and PublicDisplay.ART, offering incisive perspectives on the intersections of art, identity, and social justice. She is also the co-founder of Black Women Write Seattle, a collective focused on increasing the presence of Black women in publishing.

 

Community Connector
Deeply connected to Seattle’s creative communities, Leilani has served on boards including Shunpike, Seattle Arts & Lectures, and the Northwest African American Museum. She is an active member of the Shared Art Collective and regularly collaborates with artists and organizations to produce dynamic events that foster dialogue and engagement.

Leilani is a recipient of the City of Seattle’s Mayor’s Arts Award, among other honors that recognize her impact and leadership.

 

Whether consulting, speaking, or partnering on strategy, she brings insight, energy, and a proven track record of delivering results that matter.