Born in the Philippines, Leila Bautista immigrated to Canada in 2004 and has lived in three countries while visiting another 21 —gaining a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and local customs. She is now based in Victoria, BC and blends cultural curiosity with a spirit of exploration after living in Ontario and visiting all ten Canadian provinces.
Her passion for scuba diving has taken her beneath the surface—exploring underwater landscapes and histories that reflect the richness of global cultures. From coral reefs to sunken shipwrecks, Leila’s dives have added a new dimension to her love for discovery, storytelling, and meaningful connection.
In my base role as Senior Economist and Manager of Sector Insights, I lead creative, evidence-driven projects that help policymakers and industry stakeholders make smarter decisions. One of my most impactful initiatives is the development of Interactive Sector Snapshots for BC’s agriculture and seafood industries—tools now widely used across government and beyond.
My professional journey spans public and private sectors, with policy roles in the Governments of Ontario and Queensland, and work in market research, data analysis, and consumer insights. I hold a Master of Public Administration from the University of Victoria and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University.
I’ve discovered a deep love for scuba diving. I’m an aspiring technical diver and proudly serve on the Board of Directors for the Underwater Archaeological Society of BC. In October 2020, I founded Vancouver Island Women Underwater.
I care deeply about mental and physical wellness and am currently enrolled in the first Canadian DBT Skills Graduate Group. As a former varsity swimmer, I draw strength from completing an intensive Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) program through the BPD Society of BC—a journey that continues to shape my personal and professional perspective.