Leilani came to Christ while a freshman in high school and surrendered herself to full-time Christian service her senior year. After graduation, she attended Hardin Simmons University and graduated from Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary in 1986.

Leilani served as the Program Supervisor of a residential facility for women and their children. The program assisted women toward self-sufficiency so that they could support their families. After they completed a college degree or certificate program, the women were helped towards beginning a new life with their children.

For the past five years, Leilani has advocated for women in the world of human sex trafficking, with groups such as Jesus Said Love, Rescue & Restore, Wings of Love, Kainos Ministry, and Refuge of Light. She now continues that ministry through the Poiema Foundation.