Student Trustee Leonard Oduro participates in New York State Legislative Conference through My Brother's Keeper

The My Brother’s Keeper program helps to open doors for students, and Student Trustee Leonard Oduro, a senior at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, recently had the opportunity to attend a legislative conference in Albany through the program. At the conference — held by the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators — he met with influential leaders and participated in meaningful discussions on student leadership and community impact.  

Led by Youth Development Specialist Brother Arthur Muhammad, students in My Brother’s Keeper meet weekly, discussing leadership as well as participating in discussions around literature. The books they are assigned, which are often centered around empowering leaders, help to guide their discussions and advocacy. 

At Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, Cayden Mitchell and Leonard Oduro participate in the program. Students are selected to join the program based on their grades and community involvement, and it was something Leonard wanted to join before even being selected. After completing the program, students are also eligible for a $1,500 stipend to support their continued education. 

“I was kind of looking for My Brother’s Keeper long before they actually came looking for me,” Leonard, who was selected for the program in May 2025, said.

Across the country, students in My Brother’s Keeper participate in advocacy and community service, are sometimes business owners, and have exemplary grades. Through the program, Leonard has had opportunities to visit Albany and network with state representatives, senators, and even the Commissioner of the New York State Education Department, Dr. Betty A. Rosa.
In a past visit to Albany, Leonard advocated for his school, discussing state policies such as the cell phone ban. Despite being a leader in his school community, Leonard says that he has learned a lot about leadership through MBK. 

“I personally thought I was a good leader until a lot of things I heard from my brothers and through the book that we are discussing in our Zoom meetings,” said Leonard. “It made me realize that there's a lot to learn from these books that they are literally showing us.”

During the Annual Legislative Conference in February, Leonard had the chance to meet influential leaders such as Michael Blake, a former representative for New York. He also was able to network with other MBK fellows from around the state.

“I've made so many connections, especially politically wise,” said Leonard. “I have connections with an assemblyman, and I literally met Dr. Betty Rosa four or five times. I’ve also met so many senators.”

Advocacy is a big part of MBK’s mission, and students were able to practice their argument skills during a debate around Artificial Intelligence. They were even able to conduct the debate in a real assembly hall in Albany, where legislators and other leaders regularly advocate for their communities. 

At the conference, businesses and organizations from around the state set up tables to network, share information and resources, pitch ideas and promote their organizations. Leonard, a future engineering major, took the opportunity to pitch his idea for multifunctional gardening tools. 

The conference is just one of the many opportunities that are provided to MBK students. MBK fellows will meet again in May for their annual symposium, where students will get another chance to network with their peers and local leaders.