Michael Leonardi Foundation Team
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Mona Leonardi, Co-Founder
Mona has a background in retail merchandise planning and buying, meeting planning, and sales and marketing. She oversees outreach and the facts – getting the facts, the data, and life saving information on the fentanyl crisis out through outreach to schools, organizations, social media and other outlets, through presentations and community events.
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Julia Leonardi, Co-Founder
Julia is currently a student at UCSB studying film and media production. She is a trained vocalist, and in her time at Napa High School was part of chamber choir and the a cappella group. She is committed to engaging college age students in conversations about illicit fentanyl and the dangers, and raises awareness through community events and social media, planning of the MLF Music + Awareness event, and other work through the foundation.
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Mark Leonardi, Co-Founder
Mark Leonardi is co-founder of the Michael Leonardi Foundation, committed to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl poisoning. Born out of personal tragedy, Mark's journey towards activism began when he tragically lost his son, Michael to fentanyl poisoning. Determined to prevent other families from enduring similar heartbreak, Mark, along with Michael’s mother, Mona and sister, Julia established the Michael Leonardi Foundation to educate communities about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and fentanyl poisoning.
With a background in community organizing and special events, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the foundation's work. He holds a degree in Hospitality and Business Management from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and has dedicated his time raising awareness about the ever-growing illicit fentanyl crisis reshaping American life.
The Michael Leonardi Foundation has launched numerous initiatives aimed at preventing fentanyl-related deaths. From hosting educational presentations in schools, community centers, fraternal and community organizations to advocating for policy changes at the local and state levels. Through partnerships with law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, schools and community organizations, the foundation has made significant strides in raising awareness and expanding access to resources for individuals and families affected by the opioid epidemic.
In addition to his work with the Michael Leonardi Foundation, Mark is actively involved in other community organizations dedicated to improving public health outcomes. Whether through volunteering on local task forces or sitting on the Napa Opioid Safety Coalition or participating in overdose awareness and Narcan training, Mark remains steadfast in his mission to create a safer and healthier future.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Mark enjoys spending time with his family and friends, exploring the great outdoors, and live music. He believes that by coming together as a community and embracing empathy and compassion, we can overcome the challenges posed by the fentanyl epidemic and build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.