Senior Director of DEIB, University of Washington Advancement
Leilani Lewis is an award-winning equity and belonging leader, speaker, and writer. She received her post-graduate degree in non-profit leadership from Seattle University and is a certified DEIB practitioner. With a strong background spanning the creative sector and higher education, Lewis is a distinguished executive recognized for her leadership in the arts and her strategic approach to building community, elevating educational environments, and fostering innovative partnerships. Her impactful work in university philanthropy and fundraising has led to the widespread adoption of her DEIB frameworks by higher education institutions nationwide, solidifying her as a thought leader.
As the inaugural senior director of DEIB within the University of Washington Advancement organization, Lewis is at the forefront of strategic planning, shaping policies, fostering collaborations, and mentoring others. Her leadership in the arts and culture sector includes collaborating on high-profile public art projects, forming programs and partnerships, and volunteering to help shape Seattle’s arts and culture landscape.
Lewis is also the co-founder of Black Women Write Seattle, where she convenes a collective of Black women and non-binary writers who are pursuing publication.