Volunteer Spotlight: Leonie Brown
For Leonie Brown, Tuesday evenings at MEP have become a bright spot in her weekly routine. Originally from Australia, Leonie has lived in Detroit for the past 18 months, after stints in Singapore, South Korea, and Switzerland. Now calling Detroit home, she has found purpose in supporting young learners through MEP’s Girls’ Program.
Opportunity and Community
Looking into volunteer options as a way to immerse herself in the community, Leonie knew she wanted to do something preferably in literacy. When she found MEP, she knew she found the perfect intersection of things she feels strongly about: literacy and economic mobility. “I think girls and women unfortunately are affected by these factors, so coming from a similar background and being in a position to help other people, MEP was a perfect fit.”
Her background in healthcare and biotechnology—she previously worked as a pharmacist and is now employed at Exact Sciences, a company specializing in the detection of early-stage cancer—has reinforced her belief in the power of education. “I’ve always valued education highly. Coming from a family where college wasn’t the norm, I know firsthand how important mentorship and guidance are in broadening horizons.”
For Leonie, the mentorship side of tutoring is just as important as the academic side. “I think it’s positive for the girls to have someone who spends time just focused on them. It can be hard competing for parents' attention, so I can see how just being present and being someone else they can talk to and know that cares about them is so important for their success.”
“The students are incredibly dedicated. They come here after school because they want to, not because they have to. That level of commitment is inspiring,” says Leonie. “And they make me laugh! My student has such a great sense of humor and quick wit. It’s a joy to spend time with her.”
The Rewards of Tutoring
Leonie primarily focuses on reading skills with her student, Daleyza. “Reading is something I love, and I know that struggling with it can prevent students from fully enjoying the experience. If I can help a student move past that initial difficulty and start to enjoy reading rather than feeling anxious about it, that’s a big win.”
The most rewarding moment Leonie has experienced while tutoring is watching her student not give up. “If she doesn't get things right the first time, she will just keep on trying. She doesn’t have a fear of failure. That persistence is such an important life skill. Even in the short time I’ve known her, I’ve seen her confidence grow, and that’s incredible to witness.”
Despite her enthusiasm, Leonie initially had doubts about tutoring. “I don’t have kids, so I wondered if I would do it ‘right’—if I would be supportive enough, if I’d find the right way to explain things,” she admits. “But once I got started, it felt intuitive. The key is being present and engaged, and MEP provides plenty of resources to help tutors along the way.”
Her advice to new tutors? “Just start. Don’t overthink it. The most important thing is to show up, be fully present, and give your undivided attention during that time. It makes all the difference.”
Looking to the Future
Leonie is committed to supporting education and mentorship programs like MEP in the long run. “This experience has reinforced how valuable it is to have someone guiding you, especially if you don’t have role models in your immediate circle. Education isn’t just about academics—it’s about opportunities, confidence, and support systems.”
To MEP students, she offers this encouragement: “Your future is yours to shape. Opportunities won’t always come easily, but by showing up, being consistent, and putting in the effort, you can go so far.”