21st Century Leaders Receives Commendation from State of Georgia

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Founding Executive Director receives honor for 29 years of service to Georgia’s High School Students

(March 2019) Atlanta, Georgia – 21st Century Leaders is proud and honored to receive a 2019 Commendation from the State of Georgia from former Governor, Nathan Deal to recognize the organization’s 30th year history and specifically recognize the retirement of our founding executive director, Robert “Bob” Watson. 21st Century Leaders’ Board of Directors’ Chairman, Kevin Sessions presented the formal Commendation to Bob on March 2, 2019 at our annual Georgia Youth Leadership Awards.

Here’s a brief excerpt from the Commendation:

WHEREAS: Since 1989, 21st Century Leaders has served more than 14,000 high school students from over 250 high schools in Georgia. The efforts of the organization inspire young leaders and provide benefits for our state’s workforce by developing homegrown talent for Georgia communities and companies; and
WHEREAS: Mr. Robert “Bob” Watson, the founding executive director of 21st Century Leaders, has dedicated his career to the service of students in Georgia; and
WHEREAS: Mr. Watson retired in December 2018, following 29 years of service to youth leadership; and

WHEREAS: This year, 21st Century Leaders will celebrate 30 years of inspiring youth to lead and honor Mr. Watson for his decades of service; now
THEREFORE: I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby commend

21ST CENTURY LEADERS
and join in recognizing Mr. Robert “Bob” Watson for his service to Georgia’s youth.

View the full 21st Century Leaders Commendation 2019

21st Century Leaders is also asking everyone to share how Bob and 21CL has impacted them and show your appreciation by writing him a message. Everyone is encouraged to submit it before April 15th! SUBMIT YOUR MESSAGE HERE

About 21st Century Leaders:
Since 1989, 21st Century Leaders has served more than 14,000 diverse high school students from over 250 Georgia high schools. 21st Century Leaders is a collaboration of business and professional leaders inspiring high school students to take on leadership positions, seek out opportunities and give back to their communities by connecting them a diverse group of enthusiastic peers, passionate professionals and powerful ideas, transforming their skills, attitudes, and abilities through training and hands-on experiences. For more information about 21st Century Leaders and how you can be a part of the 30 Year celebration, visit www.21stcenturyleaders.org.

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Alumni Spotlight: Brandi Harrison

Brandi Harrison, is the Senior Manager of Production Operations and Crewing at Turner, a graduate of H.V. Jenkins High School (1997) and of Brenau University (2001). She is an alumna of 21st Century Leaders and now serves as chairperson of the 21CL Junior Board of Directors. At the Georgia Youth Leadership Awards (GYLA 2019) event which took place on March 2, 2019, Brandi was our keynote alumni speaker and gave a moving speech and talked about the inspiration, skills and values she acquired during her 21CL years. She also encouraged everyone who has been impacted by program to give back.

Following is part of her speech:

“I’m thrilled to be here tonight in the presence of such amazing students who are shaping the future right before our eyes! I’m in awe of the vision and determination that each of you have shown in the projects you’ve created. And it makes me think about my experiences with 21st Century Leaders.

I went through the summer program twice, in ’95 and ’96, as a rising junior and a rising senior. Back then, each level had a focus – for instance, the rising sophomores had to start a business and most of them sold chips and candy throughout the week – so you always knew who to hit up for a midnight snack in the dorms!

I know for a fact that I can draw a direct line between those 2 summers and who I am today.

  • In that intimate environment, I learned to work with a wide diverse group of students from all over GA and it shattered any stereotype that I had of “city people” or “country people”. A trait that helps me manage my current staff of 12 today.
  • I worked on real business projects and presented solutions to professionals which required me to ask thought provoking questions and understand company’s pain points. Skills that I use every day to find efficiencies in how we manage our production studios and resources at Turner.
  • And I was required to lead – not asked, not just suggested. There was an expectation that I would build teams, mentor others, and be a strong teammate to other leaders. I’ve used that talent to secure every job I’ve ever earned. And I’ll rely on it as I step into the new role of Chairman for our very first 21st Century Leaders Junior Board. Together, along with the other alumni on the Junior Board, we have a goal to reach out and galvanize our 14 thousand alumni… reconnecting them to the program and its mission.

All of those skills and expectations were originally ignited 30 years ago and fueled by the passion of our very own, Bob Watson!

Bob is such a special person. The first time I met him was my very first day of my first camp. I was walking up to the registration table and Bob happened to be standing there. He asked my name and once I said Brandi Harrison, his face LIT UP! He knew me and he was excited to meet me. As a 15 year old it was so memorable, there are few adults, outside of family that are thrilled to meet you! In the moment I thought I was special, but as I watched him the rest of the day, he had that same reaction to every single student he met and he’d mentioned tidbits from their application and interviews.

Bob has carried that same excitement and passion through every stage of building 21st Century Leaders into the organization it is today. And I know each and every one of you here have been impacted by 21st Century Leaders and touched by Bob’s passion.

Brandi went on to encourage everyone who had been impacted by 21st Century Leaders to support the organization, which lead into our crowdfunding campaign for the “Robert Watson Scholarship” that evening.

As Chairperson for the Junior Board of Directors, Brandi encourages all of our alumni to reengage with 21st Century Leaders in some way. Join a committee with the Junior Board, volunteer with the program and events, or donate to help future generations lead. 

Thank you, Brandi! Congratulations on all of your success thus far, and thank you for giving back to 21st Century Leaders.

Alumni Spotlight: Delaney Strunk

Our second spotlight for the month of February is Delaney Strunk, a graduate of Roswell High School (2013) and of Georgia State University (2017). She works for CNN as an Associate Producer on the Mobile Programming team at CNN. Delaney participated in the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute in 2012 and says that nothing prepared her more for future career interviews than that workshop. Read more…

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now. 

I am an Associate Producer on the Mobile Programming team at CNN.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

The first time I ever stepped foot in the CNN Center in Atlanta was during my 21CL program. I can still remember the electricity I felt when looking at the newsroom for the first time. Spending the week talking with employees and learning about their work process helped reaffirm my decision to pursue a degree in journalism. I was on the fence about where I wanted to attend college, but staying in Atlanta for the week helped me realize there was no other place I wanted to be than downtown, so I went to Georgia State University.

And how did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

Not only did 21CL help me with my fear of public speaking, but I learned quickly how to network effectively. It’s not about how many business cards you can get in one networking event, it’s about forming personal connections with new people. Going into college I focused on diving deeper into the projects I was already committed to, as opposed to racking up as many “resume friendly” projects as I possibly could.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I participated in the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute in 2012. I still think about our elevator pitch training to this day. Nothing prepare me more for future career interviews than that workshop.

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

This may be an incredibly niche experience, but I truly think about this moment almost once a week. During 21CL I had fire engine red hair (I’ve always been a bit eccentric) and I also took my nose piercing out for the week because of the dress code rules of the program. I remember making a side comment to one of the CNN Student News employees about feeling a little out of place professionally because my look was a little more out there. Well, the night of the dinner the employee made sure to introduce me to a coworker who had tattoos, multiple piercings and dyed hair. That small little gesture allowed me to see myself at the company. I no longer felt out of place. It made me feel like maybe one day I could actually become a CNN employee. I know that may seem small, but here I am now as a CNN employee!

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

More than anything, 21CL taught me that a leader is nothing without their team. I think in high school it was really easy to get caught up in trying to be the best, and while a leader should always strive to succeed, it shouldn’t be in a selfish way. When you focus on personally succeeding you forget about the people around you. I think the group project aspect of the week really helped solidify how working effectively together with others is a form of leadership.

Alumni Spotlight: Caleb Britt

Caleb Britt is our first spotlight for the month of February! A graduate of Shorter University (2017) and of Newnan High School (2013), he currently works as Market Coordinator & Digital Content Producer at Serenbe. Caleb says that 21st Century Leaders inspired him to be an organized person who stands out and goes an extra mile, and a leader who values teamwork and relationships. Read on…

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I’m the market coordinator and digital content producer at Serenbe. Some of my responsibilities include coordinating the weekly farmers’ market and creating videos, emails and social content.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

I learned the importance of being confident and creative. The program exposed me to multiple areas of media and how it’s produced. I enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes work and creativity that goes into showcasing a person or a product. I carry these traits with me daily as I work to produce content that drives awareness.

And how did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL showed me how to be an organized person who stands out and goes the extra mile. Every person I encountered in 21CL was extraordinary, and that motivated me to strive for excellence in everything I do. I also learned that leaders get comfortable with being outside of their comfort zone. It’s important to be open to new opportunities that will expand your thinking.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I participated in Leadership Plugged-In in 2012 and was member of the Youth Advisory Board (now Youth Ambassadors) from 2012 to 2013.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? ( a particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

My “aha” moment came in 2013 when I introduced the 20 Under 20 emcee and CNN Student News anchor Carl Azuz. That was my first time speaking in front of a large crowd of people I didn’t know. I was nervous in that moment, but I saw that I had support all around as my fellow Youth Advisory Board members cheered me on from the time I walked on stage to the time I walked off.  I also learned that leadership doesn’t have an age limit. It was inspiring to learn about how people my age and younger were doing great things in their communities.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

Most definitely! 21CL inspired me to be a leader who values teamwork and relationships. I learned that being a great leader involves being a great listener. It’s important to take everyone’s ideas into consideration because they bring different perspectives to the table.

Alumni Spotlight: Ryan Jackson

Our second alumni spotlight for the month of January is Ryan Jackson who is a student at Howard University and a graduate of Wheeler High School’s Wheeler Center for Advanced Studies (2016). During the summer of 2018 she worked as an Investment Banking Analyst for Goldman Sachs. Ryan says that 21CL encouraged and developed her drive towards great opportunities. READ ON…..

Paint a picture of what you are doing now.

I am a rising Honors senior Finance major, Spanish minor at Howard University. My dream is to combine my passion for finance and healthcare and work to improve health outcomes around the world. As such, I am currently interning in New York City as an Investment Banking Analyst for Goldman Sachs in the Healthcare group.

How did participating in 21CL change you and/or lead you to where you are now?

21CL was one of my very first touches with the corporate business world. I matriculated through high school as an ambitious scholar who always spent her free time advancing her whole self. As 21CL encouraged and developed my drive, I was led to amazing life opportunities that I never failed to pursue.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional, etc.?)

My aha moment came years after I completed my last 21CL program when the mother of a fellow 21CL Program attendee came up to me at an unrelated event and remembered me and my presentation.

Which programs did you participate in, and when?

2012 – EarthCare

2013 – Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit at Emory

2013 – Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience (now Turner Voices Youth Media Institute)

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

Presentation/public speaking!! Really becoming comfortable in front of crowds. Or rather comfortable with being uncomfortable but not letting it show. Additionally, professionalism for formal events and how to dress.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

Yes, I developed a servant leadership style helped by 21CL.  When surrounded by amazing leaders I recognized that everyone needs to play different roles in groups.  I work best with people who not only delegate but perform as well and that is how I have continued to lead.

 

Alumni Spotlight: Abbey Parlier

Abbey Parlier is attending the University of Tennessee Knoxville for her undergraduate degree while at the same time working as a Front Desk Agent for Crowne Plaza Downtown Knoxville. She is a graduate of Mary Persons High School (2015) in Forsyth, GA. During her high school years she participated in many 21CL programs and served on the 21CL Youth Advisory Board. She says that 21st Century Leaders taught her to be a more creative, hands-on and fearless leader! Read more about 21st Century Leaders’ Alumna Abbey Parlier…

Paint a picture of what you are doing:

I am currently a student at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. I am studying Communications with a minor in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. I also work in guest services as a Front Desk Agent at the Crowne Plaza Downtown Knoxville. I am involved in the Communications Club and Baptist Collegiate Ministries on campus at UTK also.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

21st Century Leaders helped me decide that I wanted to pursue a job somewhere in the business industry. Over my time in college, that has evolved into wanting to be on the corporate side of the hotel and lodging industry. 21CL taught me to take the opportunities given to me, so that I can grow into a professional.

And how did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL taught me how to network with people around me. I feel as though my networking abilities have thrived ever since my time in 21CL. The job I currently have at the Crowne Plaza and my former job at the Hyatt Place Knoxville were opportunities I got because of me talking with guest speakers that we had in class. It also taught me a lot about how to balance my work life, school life, and personal life. I have been more willing to join clubs on campus and put myself out there as a student and professional because of 21CL.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I participated in many 21CL programs during my high school years:

  • Summer 2014- Summer Youth Leadership Institute, Emory University
  • School Year 2013-2014- Youth Advisory Board
  • February 2014- Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit
  • October 2013- Fall Rally Day
  • August 2013- Back 2 School Kickoff
  • Summer 2013- Leadership Unplugged at Georgia Tech and CNN (now Turner Voices Youth Media Institute)
  • February 2013- Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit
  • October 2012- Fall Rally Day
  • Summer 2012- G5 @ Goizueta Business School, Emory University

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

My most memorable moment from my time in 21CL was when I did G5 at Emory. It was my first 21CL experience. I met so many people who became great friends. It was also the camp that changed my outlook on my future. I became very involved with Future Business Leaders of America because of that camp. It shaped the course of my professional career aspirations and made me realize that I could excel in the business industry.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

I would say 21CL taught me to be a more creative, hands-on, and fearless leader. I learned to put myself and ideas out there and take chances. One of the things I have learned about leadership in the hotel/lodging industry is leadership and management by walking around. It is imperative when you work in guest relations to have good communication and understand what the different departments of a hotel do and how they work. It is important that a leader stays in communication with the other departments of the hotel to make sure we are functioning smoothly.

Alumni Spotlight: Naomi Keitt

We are happy to feature 21CL Alumna Naomi Keitt, who is currently an anchor for FOX23 News in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In this alumni spotlight, she shares about how 21st Century Leaders helped to solidify her childhood dreams of being a TV reporter and news anchor. Naomi is a graduate of North Cobb Christian School (2009) and of the University of Georgia (2013).

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am currently the weekend morning anchor for FOX23 News in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I also contribute to our weekday morning show as a reporter.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

21st Century Leaders helped equip me with the confidence to know I could pursue my dreams. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a TV reporter and anchor. As a participant of the 21st Century Leaders program I got to experience behind the scenes of television news in high school which helped solidify my dreams to pursue this career.

And how did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21st Century Leaders gave me a head start on presenting myself confidently and with poise. It also brought me out of my comfort zone with meeting new people which helped tremendously as I started connecting with different groups in college.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I took part in Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience (now the Turner Voices Youth Media Insititute) during the summer of 2008. I was heading into my senior year of high school and the summer leadership institute helped expose me to my current career. I learned about diversity in newsrooms, why storytelling is important and how to be an advocate.

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

My ‘aha’ moment came when we had to give a presentation at the end of the program. It was a group of us that collaborated together. It showed me teamwork which is vital to what I do now, and also helped me tremendously in college. It also showed me that as a teenager I could present confidently in front of a group of adults.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

21st Century Leaders helped me lead through action. Instead of sitting back and letting other people do the work, the program taught me to be alongside my peers in being able to effectively and successfully complete tasks. The program helped me develop my leadership style which continues to help me thrive in my work life right now.

Alumni Spotlight: Derik Guyton

Derik Guyton is our first alumni Spotlight for the month of December. He works as IT Support Specialist Level II at TSYS Midtown Atlanta. He is a graduate of Langston Hughes High School (2013) and of Georgia Gwinnett College (2017). Derik was also one of our Georgia Youth Leadership Award winners in 2013. He says that building strong networks is one of the most valuable skills he gained from 21CL. Read On…    

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am employed with TSYS as a Technical Support Specialist Level II at our Midtown Atlanta office.  It is here that I provide hardware and software support to our executive and clients while on site where issues can range from telecom and PC support to networking related issues.  I also complete a variety of contract work for technology based companies like Dell and NCR in my spare time.

 How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

I first entered this program as a senior in high school with my own idea for a business.  Joining this program gave me the chance to be a part of Emory business competitions; with the “Shark Tank” like premise and conversing with other like minded individuals, my eyes were opened to what it takes to become a business owner.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

Building a network is one of the most valuable skills one can harness and I was now finding myself in front of people who could broaden my way of thinking, provide direction and act as a sounding board for ideas and concepts.  With all of that, I can say that earning the title “20 under 20” (Georgia Youth Leadership Awards) for the year 2013 resonated with me and gave me more motivation which carries with me today.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I’ve always been more of an extrovert; being selected as a Georgia Youth Leadership Award winner gave me more focus in using that skill to create a network that reached much further than I could have hoped for; I was able to improve my communication skills in areas and also just make sure that I am an asset to those who I am building the network with to ensure a mutual gain.

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

It is one thing to read about success stories and successful people in articles or witness it on television but it is a whole different appeal when you are walking amongst these individuals and their stories in person.  I made sure that I followed their advice and in doing so, I saw things really begin to grow the way I envisioned and I hoped to have some of those same stories to share with others.

Derik recently got back involved with 21st Century Leaders serving as a volunteer at our 2018 Leaderboard charity golf outing with the desire of working more with our students and the rest of the alumni network.

Alumni Spotlight: Taylor Benford

Taylor Benford is our second Alumni Spotlight for November 2018! She works as a Senior Consulting Analyst at Accenture  and is a graduate of Howard University (2016) and of Whitefield Academy (2012). Taylor says that participating in 21st Century Leaders gave her a strong foundation for becoming a transformative leader throughout her college years and as a young professional.  For her, it’s never too early to start giving back!  Read on…

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now

I’m currently a Senior Consulting Analyst at Accenture where I’m in the Consulting Development Program. Specializing in Finance Analytics, my project experience ranges with clients in a variety of industries from Public Service to Communications.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

Participating in 21st Century Leaders armed me with the foundations of becoming a transformative leader in collegiate and professional settings. I am deeply grateful for the guidance that I received – from understanding the importance of advocating for myself and others to learning appropriate business casual attire. This guidance led me to joining a professional business fraternity, obtaining multiple internships, and entering my senior year of college with an accepted job offer. As a young professional, my leadership skills have carried me where inexperience may have created adversity.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL provided me with the confidence and reassurance that I needed to pursue leadership opportunities when I started college. During my freshman year at Howard University, I was elected as Treasurer of the School of Business Freshman Council and was admitted into the Freshman Leadership Academy. I can definitely trace the refinement of my soft skills, such as public speaking and effective networking, back to my 21CL roots.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I participated in Leadership Plugged-In (now TVYMI) in 2011, during the summer before my senior year of high school. Learning how to work collaboratively, speak with poise regardless of audience, and understanding the influence of technology on business at Leadership Plugged-In has been a catalyst in my success. Also, having the opportunity to present to Turner executives in high school has definitely made it easier for me to present to C-suite client executives at work today.

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

The most memorable moment for me was meeting so many amazing people from across Georgia. The entire week of Leadership Plugged-In we encouraged each other, worked tirelessly to complete our presentations, and built lasting connections. I recall being in awe of how ambitious and passionate everyone was. Iron sharpens iron and I returned to school that fall with a renewed spark. I still keep in contact with many people from that summer and truly value that experience.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so, how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

I believe that one of my key strengths is my ability to create genuine connections with people from all backgrounds and levels. During Leadership Plugged-In, we had to seek feedback from Turner executives as well as our counselors to produce a successful business case presentation. I strive to be a 360-degree leader who successfully leads themselves, leads upwards, leads across peers, and leads downwards. Staying in contact with 21CL over the last 7 years has afforded me many opportunities to volunteer. No matter where you are in your career, it’s never too soon to start giving back!

Alumni Spotlight: Sara Dada

Sara Dada is our first Alumni Spotlight for the month of November! She is currently a Fulbright Scholar at Royal Veterinary College and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Sara shares about her leadership journey and the skills acquired from 21st Century Leaders such as the value of developing a personal brand and more… She is a graduate of Wheeler High School (2013) and of the Georgia Institute of Technology (2017). Read on!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am just finishing up my MSc in One Health (Infectious Disease) at the Royal Veterinary College and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. For the past year, I have been in London studying as a Fulbright scholar. During this time, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to meet other prestigious scholars studying in the U.K., attend a variety of talks and events in my field of work or at the US Embassy, conduct field work in Sierra Leone and India, and contribute to a number of development and research projects.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

While participating in 21CL feels like a million years ago, I do think this organization had a great impact on my confidence and ability as a leader that heavily influenced my involvement in college and beyond. 21CL camps were among my first experiences with groups of other leaders and change-makers and being a part of that network was inspiring. One of my most memorable and impactful experiences was when the entire cohort at Georgia Southern in 2011 came together to support the non-profit organization I had started. In February 2011, I started “Give Hope: RSD” and sold wristbands to raise money for research on Reflexive Sympathetic Dystrophy. I had presented this cause one night of camp and by the end of the week, everyone surprised me by donating a total of around $200-300 dollars. The whole group had been pooling their donations to present at one of our final evenings (where I shamelessly cried). I was unbelievably moved by this show of support and motivated by the kindness and inspiration of the leaders around me.

And how did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

I do think 21CL prepared me for my next steps in college by giving me the leadership development skills and confidence to take on leadership roles from the moment I stepped onto campus.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I attended G5, now called the Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI), at Emory in 2010 and the summer leadership institute at Georgia Southern in 2011.

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

My 21CL “aha” moment is still with me EIGHT years later! I can’t remember the particular name of the session, but I remember sitting in that lecture hall at Emory one very hot summer day in 2010 discussing personal brands. The speakers mentioned the value in setting up and running a blog. I think they explained the value in a blog developing your personal brand and providing a unique experience in writing and other skills that could be marketable down the line. That was the moment that I decided to start my own blog. And while activity on the blog has fluctuated over the past 8 years, it has been an amazing place to look back on my journey. Even more importantly, it has been a vital channel through which I communicate and express my view of the world. My blog posts have had everywhere from 8 to 2000 views and it has consistently served as a place for me to develop both personally and professionally. I have recently actually challenged myself to turn my blog into a website and have been working on this project all summer – you can check it out here: www.ramblindada.com

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

21CL introduced me to various types of leadership styles and roles and allowed me to try them out in different ways. But my last five years in college and beyond challenged the typical understanding of leadership that I had. One of the most important lessons I have learned from a book called “Leadership on the Line” has been “Meaning derives from finding ways to love and contribute to worldly enterprise.” I read this statement at a time when I was really struggling. I had just lost not one, but two presidential elections for campus organizations I was heavily involved in. I was feeling not only that I had failed as a leader in those organizations but also helpless that I would be unable to serve my community in the upcoming year. This quote, and other lessons from this book and experiences in my life at the time, pointed me in a new direction. I soon realized and truly appreciated that meaning does not derive from the positions or leadership “roles” that we fill, but from what we do and the actions we take. Since then, I have reminded myself that I can find meaning and contribute to worldly enterprise in a variety of traditional and non-traditional ways such as by writing on my blog, serving as a mentor, and being a positive energy in the teams to which I contribute.