Her Story

I have always believed my purpose in life is to do good, to do for others, give back and pay it forward in any way that I am able to. Working in creative marketing for 5 years, with various brands, athletes, designers, and creatives, has not only helped me to gain confidence and experience unlike any other, but it’s also been a major inspiration and motivation to build on my own creativity and overall purpose, and share that with others…paying it forward.

Other 1s Foundation is a product of my passion for this industry and creating culture along with my life mission to be of service to others and to be a positive example.

While I feel that I am connected to the culture, I’ve always felt that giving back and doing for others has been lost in the midst of vanity, through the impact of social media. I plan to shut down the idea that things lose value; because they don’t, and right now specifically, they shouldn’t. Someone is always in need, and if you have the ability to help out, you must do so. It’s the human thing to do and it’s what we need more than ever, as we face a global health crisis, systemic racism, and an overall major divide amongst humanity.

With Other 1s, I plan to make giving back and giving to others cool, and for the culture. I plan to bring together communities and create a positive impact that we can be part of together.

Other 1s is an effort to further build and empower a sense of community.

Born to a Cape Verdean family and raised in the Uphams Corner neighborhood of Dorchester, MA, Leah is the third born of her siblings - two older brothers, a younger brother, and younger sister. After graduating from Boston Latin Academy in 2012, Leah studied at Boston College receiving a B.A. in Communication in 2016. She kicked off her post-graduate work in non-profit with Big Sister Association of Greater Boston before moving to Harlem in 2017 to take on the role of Brand Manager for creative marketing agency Compound based in the Bronx. Leah and Compound founders Set Free Richardson and Liza Goncalves founded Compound Cares, the 501(c)(3) philanthropic non-profit division within the agency where she curates and coordinates holiday drives, local school programming, and fundraising for multiple charity organizations. Other 1s Foundation is currently housed within Compound Cares.

Leah currently lives in the Bronx, NY continuing her work in marketing. She is also a consultant and advisor for various companies and learning to play the guitar. She is working to further her reach with Other 1s Foundation through the quarantine and beyond.