Following her gifts and talents, Leonia found the meaning to her life by helping others when she became a teacher, lawyer, judge and motivational speaker while holding on to her core values of respect, humanity and justice in the face of racism and sexism. Laying the necessary groundwork, she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree and a Juris Doctorate at Wayne State University.
Determined to help the disenfranchised as well as unknown musical artists, Leonia and her twin sister set up their own law firm. Helping unknown artists reach for the moon, they acquired and negotiated multimillion dollar recording contracts that resulted in their artists earning gold and platinum records. Creating a difference in the world compelled Leonia to run for elected office against ten incumbents and win. Elevating the lives of those who appeared before her was her goal as a Drug Treatment Court judge. Acting as a catalyst in the judicial system she helped implement the second Veteran's Treatment Court in Michigan. Presiding over both innovative courts helped transform persons with severe addictions to alcohol/drugs to become productive citizens. Serving on the board of the Michigan Southeastern Veterans Stand Down, Inc, she brought the court to homeless Veterans to help them remove legal baggage, so they were free to live powerful lives.
Assisting law students that needed financial aid, she endowed the Wayne State University Twins for Justice Scholarship fund.
Touching and changing the lives of many in her community has earned her numerous awards.
Proudly authoring a powerful debut memoir, "Your Honor, Your Honor", that garnered several literary awards in the United States, England and Canada.
