Facilitator: Stephanie Leonardi

Stephanie Leonardi is affectionately known as “Leo”—born and raised in Akron (North Hill) where she lived until moving to South Akron in June 2014. Since that move and resigning from teaching, Leo has spent the last 4 years getting to know–and becoming known within–the Summit Lake community. With honesty, openness, & a clear love for people, Leo works to develop deep relationships with her neighbors. She has a BA in Art Education from Cleveland State University and received her MA in Secondary Education at the University of Akron. She has 8 years of teaching experience in Cleveland, Youngstown and Akron Public Schools. And over 10 years of coaching experience, a combination of softball, basketball, and volleyball. This last year Leo has transitioned from Project Manager at the “Pump House Center for Art + Culture” with the League of Creative interventionists to “Artist in Residence” with Akron Civic Commons in the Summit Lake Neighborhood. During her time at the Pump House a program was created: “Summit Lake Build Corps” which she actively leads up, recruiting projects, lead builders, and youth who all come together to learn and build. Also in collaboration with Akron’s City Repair Leo helped organize Akron’s first street mural with her neighbors and community partners which celebrated its 3rd year being painted this past May. She has worked on 6 different mural projects within the Summit lake neighborhood, facilitated two photography apprenticeships with S.W.A.G and is currently coaching her 7th season of “Girls On The Run”. 

VIBE Collective is a network of artists in the intersection of art, culture, and education, who seek to create spaces for community transformation and healing. This workshop series happens monthly at The Center, and is by local artists for local artists.