Leilani Villarba
NDP Candidate
MEET LEILANI
Hello, fellow NDP supporters! I'm Leilani, a proud mother of six wonderful children, including a set of twins. My journey began in the Philippines, but it was Winnipeg, Manitoba, that became my home at the tender age of two. Elmwood was our first community, where the roots of my family's strong NDP values were firmly planted by my father.
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With a career spanning 17 years in social services, I've dedicated my life to making a difference. From advocating for vulnerable populations to supporting youth affected by sexual exploitation, I've witnessed the power of compassion and action firsthand.
One of my greatest blessings is my youngest son's triumph over leukaemia. His battle at the age of two reinforced my deep appreciation for Manitoba's healthcare system and the importance of accessible, quality care for all.
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Through my experiences as a mother, professional, and volunteer, I've learned the power of empathy, resilience, and community. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth, but with determination and compassion, we can overcome any obstacle. My hope is to inspire others to embrace kindness, advocate for those in need, and create a world where everyone feels valued and supported.
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Thank you for visiting my website, and I invite you to join me on this journey of compassion, strength, and making a difference in the lives of others. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
VALUES
I've always been deeply rooted in our community. Over the last 17 years, I've been immersed in the heart of Elmwood, collaborating with residents, organizations, and stakeholders to tackle the challenges we face head-on. From grassroots initiatives to community-wide programs, I've been at the forefront, listening to your voices, your concerns, and your dreams for our community. I have listened to our older adults, our youth, individuals, families, community groups, businesses, partners, funders, workers and vulnerable populations.
My approach has always been simple: meet people where they are, break down barriers to essential services, and look for solutions that work for you. Together, we've developed and implemented programs tailored to our unique needs, ensuring that resources and support are accessible to all.
Now, I'm stepping up to represent Elmwood-Transcona as your NDP candidate. It's not just about me—it's about us, working together to build a stronger, more inclusive community. Your ongoing support fuels my commitment to this journey, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue serving alongside you.
With your vote, we can shape a brighter future for Elmwood-Transcona—one that reflects our shared values of compassion, resilience, and unity.
Thank you for your trust, your passion, and your belief in our collective power. Together, we can continue to make Elmwood-Transcona the best it can be.
Background
For the past 17 years, I've been immersed in the dynamic world of non-profit and charitable organizations, working tirelessly to address the needs of our communities. I've advocated for our neighborhoods on a municipal level, collaborating with local politicians and presenting ideas to effect change. My journey began in 2007 at the Elmwood Community Resource Centre, and later moved on to coordinate the only Free Early Years programming in Elmwood that was in the heart of the community.
Transitioning to roles with Healthy Child Manitoba and the Elmwood Communities that Cares (ECTC), I focused on youth development and community safety. Then, as Executive Director of the Elmwood East Kildonan Active Living Centre, I spearheaded programs for seniors, addressing issues like isolation and housing insecurity.
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In 2019, I assumed leadership at the Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (CNRC), where I transformed a $151,000 budget into over $850,000, expanding services from early years to seniors programming. Our approach at CNRC emphasizes social engagement, family involvement, and poverty reduction, always centering on the needs of our residents.
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Throughout my journey, I've cultivated relationships with diverse funders and stakeholders, leveraging resources to create meaningful change. My strength lies in listening, connecting, and building collaborations that empower individuals and communities. Together, we've tackled systemic challenges and created equitable, accessible services that uplift those in need.
From advocating for youth to supporting seniors, my commitment to community-driven solutions has remained unwavering. As your representative, I'll continue to champion grassroots initiatives and amplify the voices of our neighborhoods, ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to thrive.
