Husband, father, cattle rancher, businessman and philanthropist, Bret Van Leeuwen, loves Africa and its people -- particularly Kenya. As founder of Koins for Kenya, Van Leeuwen's work with the charitable non-profit organization earned him the 2011 International Good Samaritan Hero award by the American Red Cross.

His greatest happiness and success in life, however, has been his marriage to wife, Ingrid, and relationships with their three children. The family has been heavily involved in Brigham Young University's athletics, with Bret and Ingrid as Legacy V donors, members of the Coaches' Circle, and BYU Athletic scholarship donors. Van Leeuwen's work with the BYU Athletic Leadership Council, generous nature, and service have improved the lives of BYU's student athletes and other young people globally.

Bret Van Leeuwen's love of Brigham Young University athletics is legendary, and carries over into every facet of his life. No rival team colors are allowed in his home or office, and the cattle on his ranch all sport the "Y" brand. During a 16-year period, he didn't miss one BYU home football game. But the best part of this story is that Bret was living in Virginia at the time and flew the 3,000 miles back to Provo, Utah for every game.

Van Leeuwen's diverse work career stemmed from his beginnings at the School of Sweat & Hard Knocks, where he earned a PhD in Life, Human Behavior, and Sales, all of which have enabled him in his philanthropic work with the people of Kenya. Building schools and educating children in Africa have taken over much of his life, and created hope and a future for the grateful recipients of Koins for Kenya .

 

 

 

 

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