Leilani Malia Mendoza was born in Hawaii around February 1980. She has a mixed ethnic background, with Filipino and Hawaiian roots. She studied at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and pursued a medical career. Her area of study was pediatric neurophysiology, a field focused on children’s nervous system disorders.
Her medical education and training took about 12 years to complete. She became a qualified pediatric neurophysiologist, which is a highly skilled and specialized role in medicine.
| Name | Leilani Malia Mendoza |
|---|
| Born | February 1980 (approx.) |
| Birthplace | Hawaii, USA |
| Ethnicity | Filipino-Hawaiian |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Pediatric Neurophysiologist |
| Education | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
| Spouse | Brian McKnight (married in 2017) |
| Children | Julia, Jack, Kekoa Matteo, Brian Jr. |
| Net Worth | $900,000 to $1 Million (estimated) |
| Instagram Handle | @leilani_211 |
Medical Career
Leilani works as a pediatric neurophysiologist. Her job is to test and monitor the brain and nerve activity in children who may have seizures, brain disorders, or developmental issues. She has worked with various hospitals and healthcare centers, including UCLA Medical Center.
She has also been part of public health awareness campaigns. For example, she partnered with CVS Pharmacy to promote pediatric healthcare services in community settings.
Her work has made her respected in her profession. She is known for being professional, accurate, and caring toward her young patients.
Family and Marriage
Leilani started dating American R&B singer Brian McKnight in 2014. They got engaged in 2017 and were married later that year on December 29 at Oheka Castle in New York. The wedding was private, and only close family and friends were invited.
Before marrying Brian, Leilani already had two children—Julia, born in 1999, and Jack, born in 2002—from a previous relationship. Brian accepted both as part of the family.
Leilani and Brian later had more children together. They suffered a miscarriage, but went on to welcome a son named Kekoa Matteo. In January 2023, they had another baby boy named Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight.
Net Worth and Income
Leilani’s net worth is estimated between $900,000 and $1 million. Most of her income comes from her medical profession. Pediatric neurophysiologists in the U.S. earn over $100,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
She also has a growing presence on Instagram, with over 300,000 followers. This allows her to partner with healthcare brands and wellness companies, creating another stream of income.
Her husband, Brian McKnight, has a net worth of about $10 million. Together, they live a stable and financially secure life.
Social Media Activity
Leilani uses Instagram under the handle @leilani_211. Her content includes family updates, daily life photos, celebrations, and health-related messages. She does not post celebrity-style content, but rather keeps things simple and personal.
Her audience likes her for being relatable and grounded. She often shares posts about her children, birthday events, and holidays with Brian. She doesn’t focus on fame but shares moments from her real life.
Public Image
Leilani is known for being quiet and private, even though she is married to a well-known musician. She keeps a professional tone in public and avoids controversy. People see her as a committed mother, a loyal partner, and a skilled medical expert.
Even though she has a large following online, she is not a celebrity in the traditional sense. She maintains a low profile and focuses on her career and family responsibilities.
