Growing up in low-income communities across Southern California, Leilani noticed something many people overlook. Some neighborhoods had parks and green spaces where children could safely play. Others did not.
That contrast shaped the future she wants to create.
“Being able to safely go outside and enjoy nature shouldn’t depend on what neighborhood you grow up in,” Leilani said.
As the oldest of nine siblings, Leilani spent much of her childhood helping care for younger siblings while her parents worked. Watching her brothers and sisters play outside together showed her how important safe outdoor spaces are for children.
“Growing up with all these siblings gave me a strong sense of leadership,” she said. “I had to mature myself faster.”
While balancing academics and helping raise her siblings, Leilani stayed committed to creating opportunities for herself.
Now 21, Leilani is pursuing a degree in environmental design at UC Davis, where she discovered a passion for horticulture and landscape design. She hopes to help create greener, healthier spaces for underserved communities.
This year, Leilani was selected as one of 33 recipients of the $45,000 in 2026 Building Bright Futures scholarships awarded by the Hope through Housing Foundation to residents of National CORE affordable housing communities.
Leilani, a resident of San Antonio Vista in Montclair, will use her $1,000 scholarship to help cover transportation, books and materials while easing the financial pressure of balancing school and work.
“I work around 25 hours a week on top of school,” she said. “So having this support coming in is a really big stress reliever.”
She said one of the most meaningful parts of her journey has been watching her younger siblings begin dreaming bigger for themselves, too.
“They told me they want to go to college and do what I do,” Leilani said. “That really puts into perspective what I’m doing. It’s not only helping me but helping my siblings want to do more and do better.”