Alumni Spotlight: Jay Sureka

How has your career unfolded and how did participating in 21CL help prepare you for your next steps going to college, taking on a new leadership role in community/college and after?

Participating in 21^st Century Leaders gave me the skill set and exposure toward navigating the professional world as well as the business world and has given me the confidence to seek new opportunities in fields I knew very little about. Throughout college, I got a variety of business internships with companies like PwC and Cox Enterprises and I am now preparing for medical school.

What’s your memorable or ‘aha’ moment during your time at 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peer, speaking in public for the first time, etc.)

The most memorable moment during my 21^st Century Leaders years was the opportunity to give a speech during the closing of the program I was attending. After meeting so many talented and hard-working individuals, it was rewarding for me to share my perspective about what we had accomplished during the short week-long program.

21^st Century Leaders assisted my growth as a leader and helped me become confident in presenting ideas in new or unique ways. 

Why do you believe programs like 21CL are important? And what advice would you give to a current or future student?        

High school students have limited opportunities and exposure to leadership development programs and never get the chance to grow their leadership skills. It is of the utmost importance for them to have access to programs, similar to 21^st Century Leaders, that will train and prepare them for life after high school. I do not believe I would have been as successful as I am now if I didn’t go through this program.