Empowering Young Minds:

​LEADERSHIP,
ENTREPRENEURSHIP,
​OPPORTUNITY

What We Do

Become a Supporter

Empowering Young Minds:

​LEADERSHIP,
ENTREPRENEURSHIP,
​OPPORTUNITY

What We Do

Become a Supporter

Unlocking Potential: Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

The Leonidas Foundation believes in giving every student the chance to rise. Inspired by Leo Vagias, our namesake who championed the underdog, we provide high school students with unparalleled experiences that foster leadership, entrepreneurship, and opportunity (LEO). Through innovative programs and hands-on learning, we help students build the skills they need to succeed in school, life, and beyond. Together, we are shaping the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

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​Mentor Coaches + Guest Speakers

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L.E.O. Students

Shark Tank Dollars
Awarded to Students

​L.E.O. Program™ Schools

​Dollars in Endowments to L.E.O. Program™ Schools

INSIDE THE LEO PROGRAM: 
SHAPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS:
​HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR LOCAL EVENTS​

MAKING AN IMPACT:
​STORIES FROM OUR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

GET INVOLVED

Become part of our mission by volunteering, attending events, or supporting our programs as a mentor or coach. Your involvement helps create opportunities for students to thrive and reach their full potential.

Join Us

DONATE

Your donation directly impacts the lives of students by providing them with leadership development, entrepreneurial training, and unique opportunities. 

Make a Donation

GET MONTHLY NEWS

Stay in the loop with our latest events, student success stories, and upcoming initiatives. 

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OUR WHY

​Our foundation finds its purpose and passion through the life and legacy of Leo Vagias, a young man who touched the lives of everyone around him with his boundless kindness and unwavering compassion. Tragically, Leo’s life was cut short in a car accident in 2016, but his spirit continues to shine through the work we do every day.

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Leo was a self-described “C student,” but he knew that true success wasn’t measured by grades or accolades. Instead, he valued the strength of his relationships, the depth of his friendships, and his ability to make others feel seen, heard, and supported. His genuine care for people—especially for those who often felt overlooked—was the hallmark of who he was.
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Leo’s legacy is a beacon that guides our work as we strive to uplift underserved communities, promote public service, and provide humanitarian relief. His passion for helping others is reflected in the programs we create and the initiatives we champion. Through every act of service, we aim to honor his memory and continue the ripple effect of goodness that he started in his lifetime.

L.E.O. Program 
Annual ​DC Trip

Thank you to all who participated in and supported our annual L.E.O Program DC trip. Check out our testimonial video for our L.E.O. program students from Don Bosco Prep and Mount St. Dominic

Learn more about the L.e.o Program

Our impact

Discover the heart of our impact as we continually strive to give back to the community. Explore how our ongoing efforts are making a meaningful difference and creating positive change.

Giving Back

Date: March, 2023    |   
​Location: MSDA

Our LEO Program MSDA graduates find their fire and set the world ablaze with all they've learned

Date: March, 2023    |   
​Location: MSDA

Leo Lions at MSDA collected items to support women in shelters during the month of March

Date: December 20th, 2020    |   
​Location: West New York, NJ

We distributed over 600 toys to families in need at Templo Fuente De Vida

​Date: November 25th, 2020    |    Location: Clifton, NJ
Teamed up with Orange Theory Fitness to provide food for over 250 families

Date: April 28th, 2020    |    Location: Basking Ridge, NJ
​Teamed up with Frontline Morris to donate 110 dinners to Bonnie Brae School

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Date: April 23rd, 2020    |    Location: Hackensack, NJ
​Provided lunches to 30 frontline healthcare professionals at Hackensack University Medical Center

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​The Leonidas Foundation is dedicated to promoting emerging young adults with a desire for service, knowledge and fellowship.

We engage in productive and humanitarian ​endeavors to foster scholarship, mentorship ​and public service with honor, prowess, and integrity.