Alumni Spotlight: Sierra Vincent

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?

My first experience with 21st Century was in Summer 2017 as part of the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute. Following that experience, I joined the Youth Leadership Council (Youth Ambassadors) during my senior year of high school.

Since graduating, I’ve been fortunate to work with my alma mater, Kennesaw State University, gain experience in fully remote work with a nonprofit, and complete a fellowship that eventually led me to my role with United Way of Greater Atlanta, where I’ve been for the past three-plus years.

21CL gave me a community, as I still talk to some of my Turner Institute friends to this day! It gave me in-person exposure to people doing some of the work I had only read about. It opened my eyes to so many job titles and opportunities that exist within the media field. I walked away from every meeting and from the media institute with a toolkit full of skills that I still carry with me. The experience helped me become a little less afraid to speak, a little more curious, and less afraid of what existed after graduating.

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.)

My aha moment came while serving on the Youth Leadership Council, now the Youth Ambassadors. The council was based in Atlanta, and at the time, I was still living and attending school in Savannah. We would drive up once or twice a month so I could stay engaged in meetings and participate in any service projects. During that time, I really learned the value of communication and relationship building. Friendship and mentorship opportunities don’t have to fade because of distance. If anything, I learned how to over-communicate, ask for help, and advocate for myself, even when I wasn’t in person with professionals or my peers. Those are skills I leaned on during COVID.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so, how?

21CL made me realize that leadership does not have to look one specific way. As leaders, we all have unique strengths and gifts, and a good leader listens first, learns through serving, and helps others lean into their talents as well.

I’m a better collaborator, creative, and employee because I know how to approach people and projects with this mindset. I’ve also seen how leading from a place of authenticity, and simply just being myself opens so many doors. 

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

Programs like 21CL are important because they provide a safe space for career exploration and exposure, for making mistakes, and for truly learning about yourself. As someone working in the nonprofit space, I see so much value in accessible spaces and organizations like this, especially at a time when entry-level jobs and experiences for young students are becoming harder to find. 21CL continues to be a place where students and alumni can develop their interpersonal and soft skills, sharpen their critical thinking, and gain confidence that carries into their next role and personal life.

My advice to current or future students would be to lean in, even if you don’t feel entirely ready. Leadership is developed over time, and so is your confidence and comfort with networking. As a fellow introvert and perfectionist, I want students to know that they may never feel entirely ready, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t try or that they should take themselves out of the running. Say yes and do your best. Your future self will thank you.

Sierra was honored with a 2026 Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) Atlanta 30 Under 30 Award.