About Us

The Mary Leak Foundation was established by Mr. Julian Paris. It is named posthumously after his mother, Mary Ann Leak. Ms. Leak was a life-long student, devoted civil servant, and philanthropist. She believed very strongly in education and community service. As a child, she instilled in Mr. Paris an unwavering commitment to pursuing his dreams. The Foundation was established to provide the kind of instruction, professional mentoring and cultural enrichment he received from his mother & most influential mentor. 

It is through Mr. Paris’ law enforcement work, mentoring and business interests (i.e. business owner, entrepreneur, investor, securities broker, financial consultant, and author), that he was exposed to the myriad of socio-economic and personal financial management challenges facing so many hard-working Americans. He further observed a tremendous need for business & financial education and professional mentoring for teenagers, particularly those coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Mr. Paris’ belief is that economic disenfranchisement too often begins at birth. If financial education is not introduced or encouraged in the home (particularly given its absence in most primary and secondary schools' curricula), we cannot expect prudent financial management to be a priority for kids when they become adults. Absent the proper foundational instruction, underprivileged youth are more inclined to exercise poor money management habits as young adults. In doing so, they run the risk of resigning themselves to their socio-economic position, even as working adults.