Member PRofile: Leilani Vaiaoga
Title and company. Communication Coordinator, MetroPlan Orlando
Give a brief explanation of your job. I help lead communication and public outreach efforts for a long-range transportation planning agency.
How long have you been a member of FPRA and why did you join? I have been an FPRA member since 2019. I joined because my amazing boss, Cynthia Lambert, APR invited me to be part of the organization, and I knew I could grow my professional skills here.
What has been your favorite FPRA event or experience so far? I have had a lot of wonderful FPRA experiences. A fond memory I have was the year our chapter took home six president’s awards during the president’s lunch at FPRA conference. It was a very unprecedented moment for our chapter. That year I served as VP of Communications – Social Media under the presidential leadership of Jose Luis Dieppa. I was happy and honored, knowing that my work helped other board members reach their strategic goals and contributed to the overall success of our chapter.
Tell us about an exciting achievement (personal or professional). It’s a tie between buying my first home on my own during the pandemic and welcoming my first child, Tavana (son), this past November.
What was your first job? Entertainer - I was employed as a “little girl hula dancer” for a Polynesian luau show at Sea World Orlando. I worked there from the age of 4, until I aged out of the position at 12 years old.
What's one fun fact about you? I love music. I am a trained pianist and have been playing since I was 4 years old. I can read sheet music and play by ear. I consider myself a deeply creative person. Most of my creative thoughts come at night when I am in bed.
