Q&A with Summit Lake Build Corps.
Ask a Neighbor: Stephanie “Leo” Leonardi
Stephanie “Leo” Leonardi, the founder of Akron-based Summit Lake Build Corps, is a community builder—literally. She’s engaging our neighbors in countless projects, including the restoration of homes for residents in the Summit Lake neighborhood and work on the new Summit Lake Nature Center (formerly the Pump House).
Locally, Summit Lake Build Corps is known for transforming. It works to transform the Summit Lake neighborhood alongside residents and the youth who serve with Leo, building skills, trust, and character through project-based work, hands-on experiential learning, and mentorship.
As our fellow neighbors know, it’s impossible to miss her passion for the teens and kids she serves and her Summit Lake community.
Q: Leo, we’ve heard about the Pump House and Build Corps, but what’s your favorite part of this work?
A: It’s the real, unique, purposeful, steady way to be connected to the youth and to the neighborhood. We’re creating a sense of intentionality, creating an appetite for what we’re doing. And we do try and have a little fun—that’s always a part of it. And if we’re not, we work to insert fun. We’re teaching the youth of our community just how rewarding hard work can be.
I tell our youth, the pace of relationships is the pace that sets the tone for the work. So by having strong, caring relationships with clients, built on trust—we can do anything.
Q. What’s something that people don’t know about you and this work?
A: A few things here! While I had faith in Build Corps when we started, I’ve learned so much along the way. I didn’t have a clue about construction when we launched—I just saw a need and knew I could help.
Another thing most people don’t know is that I became a teacher in 2008, and by 2010, I was working through a plan to pay off my home and student loans to be totally debt-free. I had no clue then what would come next, but I stuck that plan out, and in 2014, I moved and resigned as a teacher, debt-free. And if I didn't do that for eight years—with hard work—I wouldn't be in the position to move and start over. I'm now thriving in a life that I love, and I don't know where work and where play comes in—it all just blends—and that’s the best thing I can help to teach to the youth I serve!
Q: Do you have to recruit youth for the program?
A: I honestly don’t have to recruit for Build Corps. Because we pay for their help, when we have a project to sign up for, we’re so thankful to have a strong following of kids ready to work for their community. And let me tell you, we’re learning every step of the way. I want every project, every paint stroke, every detail done right, and I have to consistently measure myself. I’ll get asked by the youth, “Leo, you asked me to do that and you just redid it. Why?” And we’ll talk about details and precision.
We’re all so close, we become like family, and I give them space to do better. I see the opportunity to help mold them in that way, because overall, we don’t overly give trust. We earn trust.
Q: What’s a misconception about Build Corps?
A: Summit Lake Build Corps youth empowerment program is not a company or a charity—it’s a mission. And while it doesn’t accept community donations, it thrives on project-based work. Next year, all its youth builders will be registered as independent contractors, learning to manage bank accounts and file tax forms to collect an hourly wage for this community work.
Q. What needs do you have?
A: The ongoing biggest need is for the adult leaders to be the one teaching them. I can't be that person and do everything I do behind the scenes. To connect to us is involvement, whether it’s once a month or once a year, we appreciate our volunteers more than anything!
To connect with Leo or Summit Lakes Build Corps, please find them at: https://www.facebook.com/SUMMITLAKEBUILDCORPS/.
Ask a Volunteer: Eric and Ruth - Student Volunteers
“I don’t think of Build Corps as just construction or knocking stuff down. I think of it as family. The members really support you, more than you’d think, ” Eric stated about the program.
Eric is one of the student volunteers who joined merely out of curiosity and having free time with his personal life. He wanted to be a part of something more hands-on. As for Ruth, another student volunteer, she wanted to be involved in anything community-related. Here’s an outtake on their personal experience with the program.
Eric
Q: What drew you to Summit Lake Build Corps and why was it something you wanted to be a part of?
A: I realized a year ago I was always pretty bored. Then one day my sister came home with a check, and I told her, “I want a check too!” So my sister told me about the program. I came the next day enjoyed it and continued to come back.
Q: What did you like about it?
A: Everything. It’s hands-on and I loved interacting with other people.
Q: Do you feel Build Corps helped you see something that you didn’t see before?
A: Yes, I don’t think of Build Corps as just construction or knocking stuff down. I think of it as a family. The members really support you, more than you’d think.
Ruth
Q: What made you join Build Corps?
A: I wanted to be involved in anything involved in the community. Leo brought flyers to church, and my sisters were interested. So we all decided to go! I remember one of our first projects was building benches. We built three benches, designed and painted them. There are actually two benches still standing today!
Q: Would you recommend Build Corps to a friend or family member?
A: Yes! It was a different experience than anything I’d ever done as an early teen. I typically played sports, went to school, and played on my phone. I always enjoyed hands-on learning. Even if someone volunteered for a day or a couple of weeks, they can learn so much.