Since 2016, Leonardo has taken the Word in the Hood message into schools, universities, and community events across Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, and North Carolina — more than 50 engagements and counting, with most school visits covering two or more classes in a day.

2026

  • October 23 — Self-defense seminar
  • October 19 — Aurora University, Aurora, IL
  • October 6 — Civil Air Patrol cadets, Northwest Georgia Composite Squadron
  • September — Aurora University, Aurora, IL

2025

  • October 27 — Lafayette Middle School
  • October 24 — Lafayette Middle School
  • May 15 — Dalton Alternative School
  • April 29 — Aurora University
  • February 21 — Aurora University

2024

  • November 1 — Dalton Middle School
  • October 28 — Lafayette Middle School
  • September 20 — “Juvenile Justice Reimagined” conference, Aurora University (hosted by the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office)
  • September 18 — Speaking engagement, Aurora, IL

2023

  • October 23 — Dalton Middle School
  • October 5 — Ooltewah High School
  • September 1 — Dalton Alternative School

2020

  • June 16 — Prison Prevention Ministries
  • February 27 — Lakeview High School
  • February 19 — Dalton Alternative School

2019

  • December 16 — Washington Alternative Learning Center, Chattanooga, TN
  • October 21 — Lafayette Middle School
  • October 17 — Cleveland Middle School
  • October 16 — Tyner High School
  • October 7 — Dalton Middle School
  • July 30 — Prison Prevention banquet, East Ridge, TN
  • May 8 — Aurora University
  • April 26 — Lakeview Middle School
  • April 19 — “Safe Neighborhoods for All,” hosted by the Aurora Police Department and East Aurora School District 131
  • April 12 — Ooltewah High School
  • March 22 — Lakeview High School
  • March 7 — Prison Prevention Ministries banquet
  • February 22 — Heritage Middle School
  • February 19–20 — Washington Alternative Learning Center, Chattanooga, TN

2018

  • December 17–18 — Hunter Middle School
  • November 27 — Dalton High School
  • November 16 — Sequoia High School
  • November 6 — Tyner Academy
  • October 29–30 — Saddle Ridge Middle School
  • October 26 — Lafayette Middle School
  • October 24 — Heritage Middle School
  • September 28 — Brainerd High School
  • September 27 — Washington Alternative Learning Center, Chattanooga, TN
  • September 7 — Morris Innovative High School
  • March 5 — Phoenix High School
  • February 21 — Howard High School, Chattanooga, TN
  • February 14 — Dalton Alternative School
  • February 7 — Dalton Middle School and Howard High School, Chattanooga, TN
  • February 5 — Morris Innovative High School
  • February — Crossroads
  • February — City Park

2017

  • December — Simply Destinee youth event, Aurora, IL
  • November 17 — Brainerd High School
  • October 18 — Washington Alternative Learning Center, Chattanooga, TN
  • September 27 — Ridgeland High School

2016

  • November 5 — North Carolina Wesleyan College

Earlier & Ongoing

  • 2009 — Fort Hill High School
  • 2009–present — Prison ministries

Bring Leonardo to your school or event: Book a talk — (630) 301-1743 — leonardo@wordinthehood.com

Free Women’s Self-Defense Seminars

Every year, Word in the Hood offers a free, four-week women’s self-defense seminar at North Georgia Hayastan MMA Academy in Dalton — built around survival and escape: awareness, boundaries, distance, and getting home safe. The seminar is now an annual event.

See photos from the first and second annual seminars and learn more on the Women’s Self-Defense Seminars page.