Leila has exclusively worked in hospitality, and chose to formalize her training at the Culinary Institute of America after Covid, where service became devotion. She began working at La Compagnie Centre St in the Summer of 2022, her first job in New York City after graduation. Her plan was to work in wine for a year before pursuing her great love, food, but the wine community proved harder to walk away from than she first suspected.

Hired as a support position behind the bar, she fell in love with wine –particularly Champagne– and bar culture, then was promoted to Head Bartender within a year and a half. Her passion for Front of House is grounded in guest connection, which she believes is the key to memorable and impactful hospitality.

Along the way Leila has worked as a Line Cook and Private Chef in New York City, before beginning her current position at Acker Wines as their Special Events Manager. She curates luxury private tastings at fine dining establishments, coordinating logistics as well as directing the wine and evening service.