Leah Shepard, Author at The Land

Leah Shepard

Leah Shepard is passionate about news for the people, by the people. Her work has been published in Cleveland Scene, Mahoning Matters, the Richmond Times-Dispatch and other papers throughout Virginia. A lifelong Ohioan, she graduated in 2024 from Kent State University with dual degrees in Spanish and Journalism.

Meals on Wheels West Shore seeks volunteers amid nationwide shortage

By Leah Shepard ● Communities ● August 28, 2025

The West Shore chapter, which provides 60 meals a day to individuals in the area, has an urgent need for delivery drivers as its volunteer numbers dwindle and summer and fall bring growing needs to the area.

Cleveland wants to become friendlier to aging citizens, here’s their plan

By Leah Shepard ● Civic Engagement ● July 8, 2025

Spearheaded by the Cleveland Department of Aging, the plan is designed to reform outdoor spaces, civic participation, public transportation, emergency preparedness and community support and health services to make the city more accessible to senior residents by 2028.

May Dugan Center Awarded $50,000 for Refugee Center in Cleveland

By Leah Shepard ● Social Equity ● June 28, 2024

Refugees from around the world may find safe harbor in Cleveland a little more easily thanks to new funding for the May Dugan Center, a nonprofit organization that serves the Near West Side and greater Cleveland area.

Slavic Village may see a new chapter in the battle against addiction

By Leah Shepard ● Public Safety ● April 30, 2024

Between 2014 and 2022, 300 people died of overdoses in Slavic Village. Compared to the overall population, this means 1 in 68 residents of the neighborhood have died as a result of a drug overdose.

Cha'Firo owner Peggi Cruz holding a bucket of plantains inside the kitchen at Cha'Firo.

Woman-owned business ‘Cha’Firo’ finds success in Clark-Fulton

By Leah Shepard ● Social Equity ● November 28, 2023

Peggi Cruz, who grew up in the neighborhood, offers vegan, vegetarian, and traditional Puerto Rican food through her catering business, pop-up events, and a dine-in restaurant at 2886 W. 25th St. She hopes to open a new location in Clark-Fulton’s upcoming CentroVilla25 marketplace.