Leilani Balais

Leilani Balais is an experienced events and program manager with a robust background in coordinating and executing various events. Currently serving as the Events Program Manager at Woodland Park Zoo since July 2019, Leilani oversees internal team operations for zoo events, ensuring alignment with the organization’s brand and community expectations. Previously, Leilani held roles at Tacoma Arts Live from May 2012 to June 2019, including Associate Director of Operations and Associate Director of Events, where responsibilities encompassed vendor contract management and optimizing customer experiences for events. Prior experience includes positions at Seattle University, focusing on alumni relations and multicultural student affairs, alongside earlier roles as a student advisor and youth program coordinator. Leilani earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Pacific Lutheran University between 1995 and 1999.