Leilani Lim-Villegas

Leilani Lim-Villegas is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in community development, culinary arts, and financial education. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Community Development at the Housing Authority of the City of Austin since October 2018, Leilani previously held the position of Executive Director at So Others May Eat and has been an Executive Sous Chef for the American Culinary Federation since February 2018. Additional roles include Senior Editor for The Daily Meal and various positions within the Texas Department of Banking and other agencies, showcasing a diverse skill set that spans public administration, media relations, and culinary expertise. Leilani holds a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies/Public Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs with double minors in Economics and Latin American Studies from the University of Nevada, Reno, along with a Diplôme de Cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.