Alumni Spotlight: Quiana Howard Gordon

For our 35th anniversary, we’ll be sharing the stories of 35 alumni showcasing the leaders they are today and how 21st Century Leaders inspired and impacted their journey. Alumni will represent the 3.5 decades since our founding in 1989 – the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. Take a read and be inspired!

35th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight

 

1990’s Decade
Name: Quiana Howard Gordon
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 1998
High School: Norcross High School
College: Georgia State University
Current Role: Senior Program Advisor, National Institute For Student Success 

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?

I took part in 21st Century Leaders, which provided me with the first opportunity to visit a college campus and experience living away from home. The program helped me gain confidence in my survival abilities as a young adult. I had the chance to engage with like-minded peers and participate in new opportunities that expanded my skillset. In 21CL, I could see how my classroom learning related to postsecondary studies and the world of work. The research, time-management, and study skills I developed during individual and group activities and projects proved helpful during my undergraduate studies and even throughout my master’s degree and doctoral program. These skills have also been valuable throughout my professional career.

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.)

One of my most unforgettable experiences at 21CL was when our cohort dressed up in business attire and got the opportunity to visit the Cartoon Network office. Cartoon Network was a big deal at that time because it had some of the best TV shows. We had a tour of the facilities during our visit, networked with some content writers, and participated in a Q&A luncheon with the executives. We had the chance to sit with important people and showcase the leadership skills we acquired during the 21CL learning sessions.

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

Absolutely! When I became aware of the different leadership styles, I would always say I was a servant leader because that was the buzzword. But over time, I realized my leadership style was more adaptable based on the situational context. When working with a team of subject matter experts, my role as a leader becomes more supportive. Conversely, when I work with a less experienced team, my leadership approach becomes more hands-on and lessens as the team develops and becomes more independent.  

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

Programs like 21CL can introduce students to leadership and postsecondary opportunities, making them more accessible. It’s often said, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Therefore, having the chance to gain knowledge, learn new skills, or even make new contacts can enhance an individual’s value and make them more valuable to others. My advice to current and future students is to jump into 21CL with both feet because there’s so much to gain from the team and partnering organizations. Take it to heart, and you won’t regret it!

Alumni Spotlight: Kyle Wingfield

For our 35th anniversary, we’ll be sharing the stories of 35 alumni showcasing the leaders they are today and how 21st Century Leaders inspired and impacted their journey. Alumni will represent the 3.5 decades since our founding in 1989 – the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. Take a read and be inspired!

35th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight

 

1990’s Decade
Name: Kyle Wingfield
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 1997
High School: Dalton High School
College: University of Georgia
Current Role: President and CEO, Georgia Public Policy Foundation

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?

After my time in 21st Century Leaders (21CL) (high school class of 1997), I graduated from the University of Georgia and pursued a career in journalism that took me to the Associated Press, the Wall Street Journal and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, including 4.5 years overseas in Belgium. In 2018, I changed careers and became CEO of an Atlanta-based think tank called the Georgia Public Policy Foundation. Looking back, I can see clear ways that my participation in 21CL helped me. For example, I became more comfortable speaking not only in front of groups, but also one-on-one with adult business executives. I also learned a lot about different personality types and how people within those various types see the world differently. And just generally, I would say 21CL was a key part in helping a small-town boy like me see a much larger world and understand more possibilities.

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.)

While I had a racially diverse group of friends growing up, my hometown overall was not a hugely diverse place during my childhood – although that has changed significantly over time. 21CL was an experience that helped me learn what it’s like to be among people of diverse backgrounds: not only in the small group that I might choose, but in a broader sense as well. I remember things like a member of the staff team one year teaching us in the evenings about step shows. Of course, we found that we had more things in common than not, but being exposed to some of the differences gave me a comfort level as well as an awareness that helped me be a better citizen of my surroundings as my surroundings changed.

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

I try to lead by example and by consensus: I model the behavior I expect from my team, and I seek their buy-in for important decisions or changes. The exercises, discussions and experiences in 21CL contributed to those elements of my leadership style.

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

Whether one grows up in a small town or an urban area, young people tend to take a more constrictive view of the world than they may realize. They are largely limited by their observations and experiences. That applies to their horizons, which dictate how they view opportunities and possibilities. But it also applies to their self-conception: They may believe they are only what they have been, which is shaped by the people and influences they’ve known. Today’s technologies may broaden their opportunities to know more people and influences than those nearby – for better and for worse – but young people still need ways to try out new versions of themselves in constructive, nurturing environments. I firmly believe programs like 21CL allow them to do just that, because these programs let them break out of the molds that have built up around them. These programs are opportunities for what we might call positive rebelliousness: going against what they’ve always known and been, but in ways that build them up rather than put them at risk.

Inspired? Share this story with your network.

Alumni Spotlight: Brandi Harrison

For our 35th anniversary, we’ll be sharing the stories of 35 alumni, showcasing the leaders they are today and how 21st Century Leaders inspired and impacted their journey. Alumni will represent the 3.5 decades since our founding in 1989 – the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. Take a read and be inspired!

35th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight

 

1990’s Decade
Name: Brandi Harrison
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 1997
High School: H.V Jenkins High School
College: Brenau University
Current Role: Owner, Launch Pointe Productions

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?

Brandi Harrison

I first participated in 21CL almost 30 years ago, and that experience continues to impact my career! Being exposed to business at an early age has meant I’ve always been comfortable stepping into board rooms, giving presentations to senior management, and building teams to succeed at a task. In my first position as an Associate Producer, I understood how to communicate well with my co-workers and manager because of the team challenges we were given in 21CL. Later, when I became a Director of Operations with direct reports, I knew how to set a clear vision for my team because of the leadership skills I had learned. And now, as an entrepreneur with 3 successful businesses with my husband, I’m not sure I would have had the courage to take on this challenge without having experienced success doing uncomfortable challenges with 21CL. The programs at 21st Century Leaders do an amazing job of honing in on the skills of the individual, while making you focus on the success of the group. It’s only now, looking back at my career, that I can connect the dots!

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.)

I spent two amazing summers during high school at the Summer Business Academy. For a week each year, I was immersed in a challenging environment with a diverse group of incredibly smart students and a high expectation of excellence set by the instructors. From trust falls to group projects, the time I spent with these other young adults was truly rewarding. During the second summer, as I was a rising senior, we were broken into groups and given a real business challenge at the start of the week. By the end of the week, we would need to present our solution to the professionals. Every minute that we weren’t sleeping, we were working on our presentation, tweaking after we learned new concepts in sessions throughout the week. Nerves were high when we arrived at the corporate location that morning. While I can’t tell you a single thing about the business challenge, I vividly remember stepping into the board room knowing that I belonged there and had something important to say. I’ve carried that memory with me, anchoring to it when needed in both big and small moments of my career. 

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

21CL was the first place that I learned about leadership styles! Understanding how I naturally lead and communicate was empowering. And then being able to adjust to styles needed by my team felt like magic! My whole career has been focused around building the right team for the project and effectively leading that team can be pivotal to its success. 

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

21CL bridges the gap in education for students to really learn about themselves and how their uniqueness can translate to success in college, their careers, and being a positive impact to their community. Even as a high performing magnet school student, there was no other place that I received this level of exposure to possibilities and focused internal growth. In order to meet the needs of future challenges, we need to teach the next generation the skills that they will need. And 21CL is essential to that process.

My advice for students attending the program is to push and challenge yourself to take on the leadership role that feels uncomfortable. Talk to the students you don’t think you have anything in common with. What feels awkward now could be a key to your success!

Inspired? Share this story with your network.

Alumni Spotlight: Julian Mason

Julian Mason is a graduate of Westminster High School (2018) and of Drexel University (2022). He participated in many of our student programs, was a 21CL Youth Ambassador and during his college years and after, he has continued to volunteer with 21CL helping read and score summer applications and volunteering at our most recent golf fundraiser. Julian is a founder of a consulting company, New Hope Visionairies Coaching & Consulting LLC.  “Your challenges & stories are yours, and the more you do to not only learn from them, but also embrace them, I genuinely believe the better off you will be. Get to know yourself as deeply and intimately as possible. Explore your interests, see new scenes, and pour into yourself the best way you know how to and can.” ~Julian Mason’s advice to current and future high school students

Paint a brief picture about yourself and what you are doing now.

I graduated from Drexel University in June 2022 Magna Cum Laude with my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Marketing concentration and obtained my certificate for Social Responsibility in Business. Since graduating, I spent a little bit of time in grad school until I let experience be my best teacher and started my own business, New Hope Visionairies Coaching & Consulting LLC. Essentially, it has two primary functions: 1.) consult companies looking to build upon or create experiential learning opportunities for early career professionals, and 2.) coach early career professionals looking to take advantage of and benefit from experiential learning opportunities. I love working with individuals between the ages of 16-23 to help them become more aware of themselves and more intentional about how they would like to work and contribute to their communities, and I think a good chunk of that passion of mine started with 21CL. So, if you’re ever interested in working together from a coaching or consulting perspective, reach out!

When were you in high school and which 21CL programs did you participate in? 

I graduated from Westminster in 2018 and first participated in 21CL doing Earthcare at Berry College in 2015. The following year, I became a Youth Ambassador and engaged in programming throughout the year. Since graduating high school, I have participated in programs through alumni volunteer opportunities like fundraisers and reviewing new member applications.

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?

I got the chance to explore my interests through some amazing Co-op experiences in college. My first came with working at Sephora as a Talent Acquisition Coordinator where my biggest project was helping them build, launch, and manage their first virtual internship program due to the rise of COVID-19. The following year, I earned the opportunity to work with Sephora’s parent company LVMH Inc. Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton as a Talent Management & Corporate Social Responsibility Intern where I got to work with the 40+ North American brands that fall under LVMH Inc. such as Tiffany & Co., Dior, Rimowa, Bulgari, and more, to develop and enhance programming for their early career professionals. 21CL truly has had a positive impact on me and enhanced my passion for developing programs and systems that help teens and young adults explore the value of experiential learning opportunities. I grew up on the south side of town but went to school in Buckhead, so I like to operate from a spectrum of perspectives. It wasn’t until I found 21CL that I started to nurture this spectrum. 21CL has a way of providing an individual with the platform to believe in themselves and their capabilities as a leader like no other program does.

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 during my time in 21CL was definitely the ropes course. I had never done anything like it, and I really wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I remember being so scared to the point of me almost not doing the course, but then my peer leader and fellow members supported me so much to the point where I did not care about failing after I tried because I realized that failing would be not trying in the first place. Long story short, I completed the ropes course, overcame a fear of failing in the moment, and became a more confident leader with an increased reverence for community support.

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

21CL helped me to develop a collaborative leadership style for sure. I feel as if my experiences with 21CL such as Earth Care and Youth Ambassadors always showed me that even though you may be the designated leader, you might not always know what is best, so you must be as good a follower as you are a leader, and doing so even makes you a better leader. I remember when I became the president of the Black Student Union during my senior year in college, I told everyone at the first general body meeting that they were also the president of the organization. This was the first year back on campus after COVID, and I knew that if I wanted to enhance the sustainability and longevity of the organization, then I needed others to have ownership of their ideas and that came with simply sharing some of my leadership as President. Lessons like that can only be learned from one’s own experiences, so I am extremely grateful for the experiences that I had with 21CL that force me to reflect and be externally introspective because they make me a well-rounded leader by welcoming the perspective of others.

What advice would you give to a current or future student?

The advice that I would give to current or future students is to trust in YOUR struggle, live for YOU, and give love to YOUR life. Your challenges & stories are yours, and the more you do to not only learn from them, but also embrace them, I genuinely believe the better off you will be. Get to know yourself as deeply and intimately as possible. Explore your interests, see new scenes, and pour into yourself the best way you know how to and can.

How would you describe 21CL in three words?

21CL described in three words: Fulfilling, Impactful, Motivating

Alumni Spotlight: Jena Paramesh

Jena Paramesh is a graduate of Alan C. Pope High School (2019) and of Tulane University (2023). Throughout high school, Jena attended many of our student programs, was a 21CL Youth Ambassador and during her college years she provided pro-bono consulting services to non-profits and small businesses. Jena is currently travelling and volunteering for a youth organization abroad before starting a consulting job with Capgemini Invent in New York City in January 2024. “I consider myself a servant leader. I like to lead with the intention of impacting others meaningfully and with care and kindness. I’ve also recently learned that good leaders know when to and not to take on projects. If you are spreading yourself too thin it’s likely that others you work with will feel it too. It’s important to be intentional with the type of projects you choose to take on.” ~Jena Paramesh

Paint a brief picture about yourself and what you are doing now.

Hi, I’m Jena Paramesh. I graduated in May 2023 from Tulane University with a BSM in Finance and a minor in Psychology and Management. Aside from my coursework, I involved myself in Consult Your Community, a pro-bono consulting club for non-profits and small businesses, Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity, and Jazbaa, my school’s Bollywood dance team. I am now set to begin a consulting role at Capgemini Invent in New York City this January (2024). As I prepare to start work I am travelling and volunteering for a youth organization abroad.

 

When were you in high school and which 21CL programs did you participate in?

I attended Alan C. Pope High School in Marietta, GA from 2015 to 2019. In the summer of 2017 I was part of the Turner Youth Voices Media Institute now known as Warner Bros. Discovery Youth Media Summit and of the Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI@ Goizueta) in 2018. I was also chosen to participate in the 2018 Summer Immersion Program where I shadowed at Hire Dynamics assisting on human resource tasks and special projects. My senior year I attended events throughout the year and served on the leadership team as a 21CL Youth Ambassador.

 

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?

When I first joined 21CL, I was a high school student with a passion for leadership and a desire to make a positive impact on my community. Over the years, 21CL has played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional development. It has helped build my confidence, effective communication, and teamwork skills. One particular aspect that I found immensely beneficial was the concept of building a personal ‘brand’ and crafting an effective elevator pitch. This skill set enabled me to stay true to my core beliefs and attract like-minded individuals. Additionally, I wasn’t afraid to speak up and run for different leadership roles, eventually leading to my position as co-president of Consult Your Community in my junior year. Looking ahead, I am confident that the foundation I built through my participation in 21CL will continue to guide my career.

 

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.)

On my third day at camp I introduced a senior director at Turner Broadcasting. I remember being so nervous to stand on stage and use a microphone in front of everyone. It was my first time introducing someone so important and furthermore in front of others of the same prestige. However, everyone I spoke to afterward was so supportive and friendly. It was an “aha” moment for me because instead of being intimidated by these leaders I was able to realize that they are all open and more than willing to help and offer encouragement. In addition to the professionals, my peers helped me feel comfortable and supported. I met so many unique and interesting students at camp and have seen them go on to do some incredible things. 21CL has given me lifelong friendships.

 

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

I consider myself a servant leader. I like to lead with the intention of impacting others meaningfully and with care and kindness. I’ve also recently learned that good leaders know when to and not to take on projects. If you are spreading yourself too thin it’s likely that others you work with will feel it too. It’s important to be intentional with the type of projects you choose to take on – just because you feel like you can do it doesn’t mean you should. Consider the needs of the team and evaluate your own bandwidth. 

 

What advice would you give to a current or future student?

Embrace every moment and take notes! You’ll want to look back on it one day. The network you start to build within 21CL can help you later in your career or with finding the right first job. I would recommend keeping a log of everyone you spoke with and would like to connect with later on. Try to remember one personal detail about the person – like their dog for example and sprinkle it in the next time you connect. No one wants to feel like a corporate machine and if you are being brick walled make sure you still bring the energy – it’s contagious.   

 

How would you describe 21CL in three words?

This is so hard! There are too many words to describe this wonderful organization but if I had to choose 3 it would be Collaborative, Fun, and Inspiring. 

Alumni Spotlight: Alisa Garcia

Alisa Garcia is a graduate of Cherokee High School (2022) and currently a sophomore at Chattahoochee Technical College and soon transitioning to Georgia College to study Public Health. She is a servant leader who has attended many of our student programs, and recently served as a Summer Leadership Team member for two of our Summer Leadership Institutes– Earthcare and the Healthcare & IT Institute, helping to mentor and inspire our current students. “As an alumna of the program, I am grateful to be able to return as a SLT member and give back. Being involved opens many doors during and after high school, giving one the opportunity to grow, make long-lasting friendships, and network with like-minded individuals who you may encounter in future endeavors.” ~Alisa Garcia

Paint a brief picture about yourself and what you are doing now.

I am Alisa Garcia, a current sophomore at Chattahoochee Technical College. Soon, I will be at Georgia College studying Public Health to become a Public Health Analyst. Recently, I participated in a one-day virtual summit with local health officials connecting over our passion to help change our communities. During my free time, I enjoy running, trying new places, being with family, and listening to Bad Bunny!

When were you in high school and which 21CL programs did you participate in?

I attended Cherokee High School from 2018 to 2022. The summer after my freshman year, I participated in the Earthcare Institute. After an immersive week of workshops and networking, my eagerness to grow as a leader deepened. In 2020, I virtually participated in the inaugural year of Healthcare & IT Institute, where I networked with healthcare professionals. The following summer, I completed my 21CL high school journey with SYLI Program.

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?

Although my professional career is yet to unfold, 21CL strengthened my skill set which prepared me for college. Learning to enhance my public speaking skills has helped form connections in a public setting, and being exposed to a diverse cohort of students taught me inclusivity. Being part of 21CL transformed me into a confident leader, especially within my community, which pushed me to start my non-profit organization, The Glandorf Project. This position allows me to embody leadership qualities such as decision-making, empathy, and relationship building; qualities that were instilled in me from 21st Century Leaders.

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.)

There definitely have been many ‘aha’ moments throughout my time at 21CL. The shift from being in-person in my first camp to online for the rest was a huge ‘aha’ moment itself. Although, the most memorable one was my second day at Earthcare; this being my first time away from home, and meeting and spending so much time with new peers was hard adjusting, however, while we played camp games, I was able to form new friendships and the “homesick” feeling went away. Afterwards while we sat in the dining hall and talked, there was a sense of relief because I was not the only one missing home. There was a moment of realization that everyone had mixed emotions, yet we were connected through our passion to grow and become successful leaders. Once the welcoming feeling brought on by my peers and camp facilitators sunk in, by the last day I did not want to leave camp. The day was eye-opening and taught me to take advantage of the numerous opportunities this camp would bring, especially since it was a privilege to be one of 90 students chosen.

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

Through 21CL I was able to find the most fitting leadership style, servant leadership. This summer, I had the privilege to be part of 21CL’s Summer Leadership Team for two camps – Earthcare and Healthcare & IT. With both camps having a diverse group of students, it was moving hearing the impact I was able to make through my leadership style at both camps. As someone who puts others ahead and serves with humility, it was touching hearing how I naturally embodied the servant leadership characteristics throughout the week from my R+ memos. Throughout the camp, I strived to have an impact on the students and my listening and empathy skills definitely helped achieve that goal. From reading how I “made our group like family” to inspiring students to open up, it was a full circle moment of my roots with 21CL, since this program helped me become more confident with my leadership abilities.

What advice would you give to a current or future student?

My advice to any student would be to challenge yourself and truly take in every second with 21CL. As I sat in my school library in 2019, I was hesitant on submitting my application out of fear of not being accepted. However, it was the best decision to apply since I was able to grow and learn through my involvement. In my community, I was rarely exposed to diverse groups of students. By challenging myself to partake in 21CL programs, I was able to perceive things through a different lens and became open-minded. It is essential to take in every moment and greatly appreciate being part of such a program. Although you may believe your time with 21CL is over, it truly is not. As an alumna of the program, I am grateful to be able to return as a SLT and give back. Being involved opens many doors during and after high school, giving one the opportunity to grow, make long-lasting friendships, and network with like-minded individuals who you may encounter in future endeavors.

How would you describe 21CL in three words?

There truly are not enough words to describe 21CL since the program is THAT great! Yet, I will say these: Transformative, Inspiring, and Fun.

Alumni Spotlight: Gareth Thompson

Gareth Thompson is a graduate of Wheeler High School (2019) and of the University of Georgia (2023); this fall he will start working as a Contract Compliance Associate at KPMG. Throughout high school, Gareth attended many of our student programs, was a 21CL Youth Ambassador and recently served as a Summer Leadership Team member and alumni roundtable speaker, helping to mentor and inspire our current students.

“I really encourage students to be all-in when attending these programs. You get out what you put in! Your spot in 21CL is a spot that hundreds of other students are vying for – why waste it? It is such a good opportunity to meet with professionals and start growing your professional network – something that is even more difficult to do on your own.” ~Gareth Thompson

Paint a brief picture of yourself and what you are doing now.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Risk Management & Insurance, along with an emphasis in consulting. I was involved in several organizations during my collegiate career – notably the Asian American Student Association (AASA), and the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi of which I was Ethics Chair. Throughout college I interned at State Farm Mutual Insurance for two summers, one as an Auto Claims Intern and the second as a Special Investigative Unit Intern. This fall I plan to work full time as a Contract Compliance Associate with KPMG in the Atlanta office. As I await professional life, I enjoy travelling with friends, playing sports, playing music, and making art.

When were you in high school and which 21CL programs did you participate in?

I attended Wheeler High School from 2015 to 2019. I attended three summer leadership institutes: EarthCare at Berry College in 2016, SYLI at Emory University in 2017, and Turner Youth Voices Media Institute at Georgia Tech in 2018. I was a 2018-2019 21CL Youth Ambassador and attended Fall and Winter Leadership Summits in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Since high school, I recently returned to 21CL as a Summer Leadership Team member for EarthCare 2023.

What was your memorable or ‘aha’ moment during your time at 21CL?

It’s so hard to pick just one memorable moment! I would have to say that the first night of EarthCare my roommates and I all went into one room and just started talking for hours, playing music, and becoming close friends. I was skeptical about joining camp at first – it was my first time away from home at an overnight camp but knowing that people were with me sharing the same experiences made it a lot more welcoming and bearable. If they could do it, so could I! Knowing that everyone involved, from the campers to the staff, were 100% all in on making the program the best it could really be encouraged me to give it my all and eventually return for years to come.

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

I am not the loudest speaker in the room, and sometimes it’s difficult for me to have my voice heard, especially among large groups. Working on the 21CL projects helped me speak up, and even encourage others to do the same. Being around so many different people with different experiences meant that everyone had a unique perspective to the tasks we were trying to solve. I learned to understand that, not to devalue my own contributions, and look for ways I could get others involved, even if I wasn’t the loudest. Starting off small in 21CL has helped me hone these collaborative skills into other projects that I’ve had to do in college and throughout various internship experiences.

What advice would you give to a current or future student?

I really encourage students to be all-in when attending these programs. You get out what you put in! Your spot in 21CL is a spot that hundreds of other students are vying for – why waste it? It is such a good opportunity to meet with professionals and start growing your professional network – something that is even more difficult to do on your own. The skills you learn are transferable skills that will make you head and shoulders above your peers as you venture into college and professional life. But don’t only focus on the professional! The personal relationships you form will last you a long time. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other campers or even the staff. Who knows? A relationship in camp might turn into a job opportunity down the line.

How would you describe 21CL in three words?

Powerful. Fun. Foundational.

Alumni Spotlight: Michael Garcia

21CL Alumnus Michael Garcia is a graduate of Cherokee High School (2020) and currently a third-year BBA student at the University of Georgia (2024); during high school, Michael participated in many of our programs including EarthCare, SYLI, Leadership exCHANGE and was 21CL Youth Ambassador for two terms. In this post he shares how all this has shaped his career trajectory!

Paint a brief picture about yourself and what you are doing now.

I am Michael Garcia and I am currently a third-year student at The University of Georgia pursuing a BBA in Risk Management and Insurance with a certification in Legal Studies. I am very active on campus at UGA, participating in many activities and organizations such as Association of Latino Professionals for America and I am excited that I will be president for my chapter this upcoming school year; I will be interning this summer as a Consulting Intern for Crowe in New York City. In my free time, I love exploring new cities. I enjoy trying different restaurants, going to concerts, or simply having a self care night at home.

When were you in high school and which 21CL programs did you participate in?

I attended Cherokee High School from 2016 through 2020 and during my high school years I was fortunate to attend two different leadership institutes, EarthCare at GCSU in 2018 and SYLI @Goizueta in 2019; I also attended the Fall Summit – Leadership exCHANGE – in 2018. After completing the EarthCare institute, I was inspired to get more involved with 21st Century Leaders so I applied for their Youth Ambassador program and I served two terms as an Ambassador, from 2018-2019 and again from 2019-2020 where I was the Chair for the Youth Ambassador program. When I was a rising senior, I was blessed to be awarded the 2019 Georgia Youth Leadership Award. Ever since, I try my best to stay informed and connected with 21st Century Leaders – I actually just attended the 2023 GYLA ceremony in March. It felt great to reconnect with the individuals who make 21CL possible and it felt even better to get inspired by what these students are accomplishing!

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.)

I experienced many “aha” moments throughout my time with 21st Century Leaders, however, one moment stands out for me. After receiving news that I was a GYLA awardee, my peers and I were invited to meet our mentors and network with one another. During that event, I was interviewed on camera and was able to speak with my peers who, I felt, were doing so much better than me. Living about an hour away from Atlanta, that car ride to the GYLA Meet & Greet meeting was definitely an emotional one for me. I am a first-generation high school graduate and college student, and growing up I did not think about colleges or entering the corporate workforce. I could never have imagined someone like me being in a room with 20 outstanding leaders. That was the first time I felt proud of myself! It was the first time that I actually believed that I stood a chance at succeeding beyond high school. None of that would’ve been possible without my mom, who supported me even when she didn’t understand what all this was about. It wouldn’t have been possible without the exposure to diversity, critical thinking, and growth I endured during the 21CL Summer Leadership Institutes.

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

One of the most important skills that 21CL taught me that continues to effect my leadership style is to always be an empathetic leader. An eye-opening experience for me was during SYLI when we took a day to learn about diversity and which is one of the things that makes 21st Century Leaders so unique. As a student, you’re connected with a cohort of students who come from different backgrounds – ethnic, religious, socio-economic, etc. The beauty in this is that diversity is celebrated and students are encouraged to learn from different perspectives. Having this exposure gave me an advantage when I began my college journey because I was already involved with different diverse groups. As I continue to learn about leadership, there is a consistency between empathy and diversity. Knowing how to leverage both makes one a stronger leader.

What advice would you give to a current or future student?

My advice to students would be to go for it and give yourself a chance. I remember when I applied for the various opportunities within 21CL I hesitated with submitting my application – whether it was for Youth Ambassador or SYLI I did not think I would stand a chance. However, all it took was believing in my skills and giving myself a chance. I would also mention that once you’ve accomplished one thing, don’t stop there. Continue putting yourself out there and ensuring that your brand as a student is known. After all, there is only one “you.”

How would you describe 21CL in three words?

There are so many ways I could describe 21CL, however, I would say this program is the token to “propelling your career.” This organization teaches you more than professionalism. It enriches students with social and communication skills, all of which are key to succeeding in your profession.

Alumni Spotlight: John Graves

21CL Alumnus John Graves is a graduate of Sonoraville High School (2018) and of the Georgia Institute of Technology (2022); he currently works as an Associate Consultant for Bain & Company. Throughout high school, John attended many of our student programs, was a 21CL Youth Ambassador and was one of our 2018 Georgia Youth Leadership Award winners. In his post, John shares how 21CL inspired him to accelerate his personal growth and find environments that encourage innovative thought among young people, and more!

Paint a brief picture about yourself and what you are doing now.

My name is John Graves and I graduated from Sonoraville High School in 2018. I spent the next 4 years getting my Bachelor of Science in Economics Degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. After graduating in May of 2022, I started working as an Associate Consultant for Bain & Company in their Atlanta office. In my free time I enjoy all things outdoors including running, cycling, backpacking, and helping out on my family’s farm.

When were you in high school and which 21CL programs did you participate in?

I attended Sonoraville High School in Gordon County from 2014-2018. I participated in the Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI@Goizueta) program at Emory University in 2015. I also was fortunate to serve on the 21st Century Leaders Youth Ambassador team from 2015-2016 and attend some fall / winter leadership summits. To end high school, I was honored to be a recipient of 21CL’s Georgia Youth Leadership Award in 2018.

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 full-time career is still just beginning, but my career preparation began quite a long time ago. My involvement in 21st Century Leaders during high school helped fuel my interest in exploring innovation through entrepreneurial leadership. As I built a business-focused leadership and communication toolkit throughout the program, I was exposed to the stories and ideas of Atlanta business leaders, 21CL alumni, and my peers. Seeing the true breadth of opportunity that young people have to innovate excited me as I heard stories of the successful students that had come before me. This immersive week inspired me to accelerate my personal growth in these areas by finding an environment that encouraged innovative thought amongst young people. That is how I ended up at Georgia Tech, and ultimately why I am at Bain & Company today.

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.?)

Attending the SYLI Summer Institute was an ‘aha’ moment for me in several big ways. First, as a high school freshman going into my sophomore year, I was able to learn about the college admissions process, how to challenge myself academically, and where to set my sights from my older, more prepared, student peers. Second, I was exposed to powerful stories of successful student-led nonprofits in Georgia that eventually inspired me to start a non-profit initiative in my hometown. Finally, and most importantly, I learned how impactful it is to surround yourself with people with unique interests, experiences, and goals to challenge your own. That summer at SYLI exposed me to all of these things and truly provided the direction behind much of my high school 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 hope the groups that I have led over the years would agree with this, but I like to think 21st Century Leaders helped me become a more effective leader by emphasizing the importance of listening to others. In situations of leadership today, I enjoy the exercise of asking members of a group for their first take on how to deal with a problem or situation before I assert my own proposed path forward.

What advice would you give to a current or future student?

My advice to current and future students is simple. Enjoy friendships with people that have different backgrounds. There is so much to learn by surrounding yourself with diverse perspectives. Friends I made in 21CL programs all those years ago have had an enormous impact on my academic/career path.

How would you describe 21CL in three words?

Hard to do but I think I would use the three words, “our collective future,” because each of the students in programs I personally attended, and all of the program alumni, are on their way to change our generation’s shared future.

Alumni Spotlight: Sharlesha Bennett Kofa

Sharlesha Bennett Kofa is a graduate of Midtown High School (2009) and currently a third year Bachelor of Science Degree student at Clayton State University. She is a homeschooling mother of three beautiful children and works for Newton and Rockdale Counties, working on family and youth programs.  Sharlesha is passionate about community service and volunteering, and she was one of our alumni volunteers at 21st Century Leaders’ 2022 Leaderboard at The River Club Charity Golf Event!

“There is a saying that goes like, “You’re only as strong as your Network” and 21st Century Leaders taught me how to navigate professional environments and build those strong and lasting networks.” ~Sharlesha Bennett Kofa

Paint a brief picture about yourself and what you are doing now.

Currently, I am a third year Bachelor of Science Degree student at Clayton State University majoring in psychology and human services. Last fall I started working as an Intern for Newton County Family Connections in Covington, Georgia; I also work closely with the Newton/Rockdale County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Newton County Substance Abuse Coalition. One of the most exciting things I am doing at the moment is assisting Newton County’s Youth Action Team on an annual Kick-The-Habit Prevention Event. It’s through my internship advisor that I was able to make great connections that have led me to several community outreach volunteer opportunities.

Outside of school and volunteering, I am very passionate about total mind and body wellness. I enjoy working out and reading lots of motivational uplifting books.

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

I am naturally a very shy person but experiences gained from participating in 21st Century Leaders during my high school years helped me gain the confidence needed to step out of my comfort zone and put my best foot forward. At the time, I didn’t realize the kind of impact it would make on me but I can confidently say that I entered the “real” world knowing how to dress properly and conduct myself in professional settings. There is a saying that goes like, “You’re only as strong as your Network” and 21st Century Leaders taught me how to navigate professional environments and build those strong and lasting networks.

Which programs did you participate in? How did the skills/tools/perspectives you acquired from 21CL prepare you for your next steps, going into college, taking on new leadership roles in your community, college and after?

I participated in the Winter Leadership Weekend, now known as Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit, in 2008 and 2009. I also participated in the 21CLub at my school. Another important skill that I acquired and took with me to college and that has also been very beneficial is to be proactive and to take the initiative. Sometimes being the first person in a group setting to speak up and introducing yourself can make all the difference.

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.?)

I will never forget standing in front of a full room together with my group members and having to speak in public for the very first time. In one of those public speaking sessions, we had learned to try to minimize the number of times we say “umm,” so when we got on the podium I kept repeating in my head over and over again, “Do not say ‘Umm’,” and by the time it was my turn to speak I had almost forgotten what I was supposed to say; but I was still able to pull it together and my group did an amazing presentation.

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 learned about community service and acquired great skills necessary for effective leadership, indeed “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!”

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