LEAP Alumni Spotlight: Lailanie Gadia
“I want to be fully alive, and make my vision a reality. LEAP really helped facilitate that for me.”
Lailanie Gadia, a LEAP Impact graduate, was born in Long Beach, California and raised in Guam. She moved back to California to attend Loyola Marymount University and has since stayed. She has worked with multiple API organizations while pursuing a professional career in mortgage banking. Despite working in banking with high net worth clients and the possibilities of future growth there, she has felt her career was not as fulfilling as she had hoped and dreamed. Lailanie then transitioned her career to the Asian American Documentary Network where she has held multiple positions including her current role as Operations Director.
To prepare herself for the next step in her leadership journey, Lailanie searched for a program that focused on developing talent within the nonprofit sector. In 2022, Lailanie graduated from LEAP’s Impact program and often reflects on how the lessons she learned can be seen and felt in her work today.
“I was really able to connect with my fellow cohort, who also work in a nonprofit setting. I was looking at their experiences, asking for advice, and gaining knowledge from their careers. Because together we're all trying to create positive change.”
Beyond the insightful and intentional curriculum, Lailanie credits her growth to the executive coaching experience. Her coach helped her identify a path to her dream career and the necessary work she will experience on the journey. She now envisions herself leading her own API film company for independent filmmakers and is striving to make it a reality.
Join Lailanie Gadia and other API non-profit professionals in uncapping your talent today. Consider participating in one of LEAP’s variety of programs, including LEAP Impact, or make a donation to the organization to empower API leadership in our communities.
LEAP Impact, sponsored by American Express, is a three-part, eight-month program designed to develop and empower Asian and Pacific Islander leaders within the nonprofit sector.
About the author
Danielle Lynk is the Communications Manager for LEAP(Leadership Education for Asian Pacific). She is responsible for driving and creating LEAP’s communications and marketing strategies to bring awareness and support development efforts.
