meet LDH.

Leah D. Hudnall is a visionary nonprofit leader, storyteller, and strategist dedicated to fostering more racially just and connected communities. Through the power of storytelling, civic engagement, and innovative programming, she amplifies voices, strengthens networks, and advances equity.

As the founder of The Legacy Perspective, a civic consulting firm, Leah collaborates with grassroots organizations, regional initiatives, and national foundations to drive impactful change. Her work spans project management, community engagement, and strategic communications—ensuring that mission-driven organizations have the tools and narratives needed to create lasting impact.

At the heart of her creative leadership is Legacy LIVE, a storytelling series designed to bring Greater Clevelanders together through real-life narratives that celebrate Black joy, history, and resilience. Each salon-style event features authentic, community-centered storytelling, fostering deep connections among attendees.

To further uplift Cleveland’s rich Black history, Leah developed #mystoryisrealBlack: The Trolley Tour, an immersive experience that takes residents and lifelong learners on a journey through the city’s east-side neighborhoods—connecting them to Cleveland’s deep-rooted Black legacy.

Leah’s expertise in philanthropy and civic strategy is informed by years of experience in the nonprofit and public sectors. She has held roles at the KeyBank Foundation, Saint Luke’s Foundation of Cleveland, the George Gund Foundation, and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.

A passionate advocate for education, health equity, and civic engagement, Leah has served as an adjunct lecturer, contributed to multiple boards, and volunteered with initiatives that champion:

  • High-Quality K-12 Education and Post-Secondary Access

  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

  • Nonpartisan Voter Engagement and Grassroots Civic Leadership

  • Community-Based Storytelling and Cultural Preservation

Leah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Culture from Howard University and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from John Carroll University.

As a proud third-generation Clevelander, Leah remains deeply committed to uplifting the city’s southeast-side neighborhoods, where she resides with her husband and their two children. Through The Legacy Perspective and her growing storytelling initiatives, Leah continues to amplify the voices, stories, and histories that shape communities for generations to come.