Alumni Spotlight: Brandon Ona

Our second alumni spotlight for January 2020 is Brandon Ona, a graduate of Mill Creek High School (2012) and of The George Washington University (2016). He currently works as an Associate International Trade Manager at Georgia Department of Economic Development where he has been working since 2017 after his previous work at The White House! Brandon has recently joined the 21CL Junior Board of Directors.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

Since graduating college, I have worked in the public sector for both federal and state government. Today, I work for the Georgia Department of Economic Development and my role is to help small businesses in Georgia access economic opportunities in countries around the world. I always try to find time to volunteer at 21CL events where I provide my experience to students currently in the program and share the incredible opportunities that being a part of 21CL has opened up to me; I have just started serving on the 21CL Junior Board of Directors and my hope is to continue inspiring young people, and to share my message that the “secret to success” for a meaningful career is to find out who you care about the most and what you are best at, and when you put the two together, you change the game for everyone else.

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

I participated in the 2011 Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience (now called the Youth Media Institute) program with 21CL, a program that was designed to develop our leadership skills through the lens of journalism. From the moment I arrived, I was eager to meet the other young leaders, who like myself, were high school students from Georgia. However, as I got to know my new peers, I quickly learned that we all had different stories despite having so much in common.

Admittedly at the time, and still to this day, I had no interest in making a career in journalism, let alone being a leader in this field. However, during the program, we learned how to lead with curiosity to find the common thread through our diverse stories.  This is when the leadership skills through journalism came into play and changed my life. In many ways, I learned how to relate and connect with others, while admiring what sets us apart. To me this was, and very much still is the ultimate lesson in leadership, and I am so grateful to have learned this as a young person. As a 21st Century Leader, I realized for the first time that leadership is finding what is unique and universal in all of us, and knowing that our diversity is what propels us forward. This is a principle I have carried with me ever since, and has led me to opportunities I could never have imagined possible if it was not for a 21CL program.

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?

One of my biggest takeaways from 21CL was the importance of being of service to others. I took this to heart, and upon graduating high school, pursued a career in public service with the hopes of working in and with government entities to help everyday people live more fulfilling lives. One incredible opportunity/accomplishment that came from this was early on in my career. The day after I graduated college, I was appointed to serve as an aide at The White House’s Office of Management and Budget. In this role, I helped move various aspects of the President’s agenda forward, most of which were focused on helping Americans get back on their feet during the economic recovery that followed the Great Recession.

Throughout my career as a public servant at both the federal and state level of government, the core of the work I do is trying to understand the challenges people face, the hopes they hold, and the environment in which they live, to figure out how I and the institution I work for can be of service to them. All of which are leadership skills I began to learn with 21CL. 21CL set forth the momentum for me to be prepared for the incredible opportunity of working for the President of the United States on behalf of the American people.

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

I participated in both a summer leadership institute and school-year program. One important skill I gained from these programs was authentic storytelling. Being able to listen and learn someone’s story and tell it truthfully through the work I do has been invaluable in my life.

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.?)

One moment I will never forget from the program was watching a few of my peers on live television getting interviewed CNN en Español with the headline that translated to “meet the leaders of tomorrow.” It was so inspiring to watch them and know that even though we met just two days ago, they are now having an impact on the world.

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!

The single most important skill I learned at 21CL was leading with curiosity- learning people’s stories and figuring out how I can be of service to them, or work with them to be of service to others. In recent years, I have learned that leading with curiosity does not necessarily feel like you are a “very important leader.” Instead, in the moment, you feel like a person who really wants to help someone else simply because you care. In fact, often times the last thing you think is that you are leader. However, when you lead with curiosity, you move someone’s life forward, which moves the world forward even in the smallest way.

21CL Appoints New Chair of its Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

21st Century Leaders Appoints New Chair of its Board of Directors

(October 7, 2019) Atlanta, GA – 21st Century Leaders announces the appointment of Matt Johnson as chair of its board of directors. Johnson succeeds Kevin Sessions, who has been serving as chair of the board since October 2013. The appointment was effective October 1, 2019, as the start of the organization’s fiscal year. Sessions will remain engaged in a leadership role with 21st Century Leaders (21CL) as a member of its Advisory Council.

Sessions said, “It’s been an honor to serve as board chair over the last six years, and I’m confident in our future and in Matt’s leadership as we continue to grow and develop our young leaders across the state and continue to deliver high-impact leadership training. I have no doubt that Matt’s long-standing commitment to 21st Century Leaders, coupled with his passion and recognized leadership in his industry, will help realize 21st Century Leaders’ full potential as it moves into its fourth decade.”

Johnson joined the board in 2014, but has served as a volunteer with 21st Century Leaders for over a decade. He first got connected with 21st Century Leaders through its partnership with Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 honorees. He currently serves as a partner at KPMG, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, as the US Technology Assurance Leader. Matt lives in Cobb County with his wife, Becky, and their two daughters (14 and 2) and two sons (12 and 9).  He enjoys spending time with his family and travelling. He is a private pilot and in addition to flying, other interests include caring for a variety of farm animals on their property, cooking and college football. He was born in India and has also lived in southeast Asia as well as traveled to more than 50 countries.

“Investing in people, and particularly young people, is one of the most worthwhile endeavors in life! We have an amazing board and fantastic staff, and I’m tremendously excited to help continue the mission of 21CL as the board chair,” Johnson said. “I thank Kevin for his leadership, example, and stewardship that has positioned the organization to have an impact like never before. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve, and be inspired by students, our donors and partners, and our team, as we continue to build tomorrow’s leaders, today!”

“Kevin has been instrumental to our success the past six years, particularly as we established the organization’s endowment under his leadership, and transitioned the retirement of our founding executive director. On behalf of the board, staff, and every student we serve, I want to thank Kevin for his dedication and contributions,” said 21CL’s Executive Director Kate Hewitt. “As we look to the future and expand our programs, we are fortunate to have Matt’s leadership as we accelerate our work to be the premier leadership organization in Georgia.”

21st Century Leaders is a youth leadership and talent development organization for Georgia high school students. 21CL provides year-round programming by collaborating with over 50 corporate and community partners. 21CL’s leadership training includes residential summer leadership institutes, school-year training, school-based clubs, and an online learning platform.

About 21st Century Leaders

Since inception in 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 non-profit organization that connects, transforms, and inspires high school students across Georgia to leverage diversity, explore career opportunities, and become leaders in their school, community, and ultimately the workforce. For more information about 21st Century Leaders, visit www.21stcenturyleaders.org.

# # #

For media inquiries and image requests, please contact:

Kate Hewitt

Executive Director

kate@21stcenturyleaders.org

404.373.7441

Alumni Spotlight: Amara Tennessee

Amara Tennessee is our first Alumni Spotlight for the month of October, She is a graduate of Roswell High School (2015) and currently a senior at Georgia College & State University, double majoring in Public Health and Spanish with a concentration in Spanish for the Health Professionals, and a minor in Global Health Studies.  Amara has remained engaged with 21st Century Leaders long after high school by serving as part of our summer staff for our summer institutes in 2018 and 2019.  Amara says 21CL encouraged her to pursue a life she is proud of, and gave me the tools necessary to obtain that life.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I graduated from Roswell High School in 2015 and then moved to Ypane, Paraguay where I worked as a medical volunteer for 11 months. During my time in Paraguay, I worked in a mobile vaccination clinic at El Centro de Salud and a cardiology and diabetes center at Centro de Especialidades. My gap year allowed me to explore an entirely new culture that was vastly different than my own. I was given the opportunity to further my Spanish language skills and my experiences aided in shaping my college experiences as well. In Paraguay I was introduced to the world of public health and the implementation of public health programming. In April, I was awarded as Georgia College’s School of Health and Human Performances’ “Outstanding Junior in Public Health” as voted on by professors and faculty of my University. I am looking forward to graduation in May 2020 and all that the future holds for me.

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

21st Century Leaders taught me that leadership is centered by connecting with those around you for the purpose of improving and empowering others. Once I recognized my ability as a leader, it transformed my interactions with everyone I interacted with. 21CL showed me how much I enjoy working with people and how important it is for me personally to encourage people to live their best lives. 21CL is a unique and explorative opportunity!

How did 21 CL 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 helped me recognize the courage in following your individual path. My college experience has been full to say the least. I have had the ability to study abroad in Santiago, Chile and work in a hospital at La Universidad de Los Andes. I was invited to serve as a translator in a medical clinic and to teach prevention methods of vector borne illnesses in Honduras this upcoming fall as an accompaniment to my Universities Nursing program. 21st Century Leaders encouraged me to pursue a life I am proud of, and gave me the tools necessary to obtain that life. I learned invaluable networking skills, and became more confident as a public speaker. Each of the lessons I have learned over the years with 21CL has aided in my growth and development as a leader.

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

I participated in 21st Century Leaders’ year round programs including two of their summer leadership institutes; Earth Care in 2012 and the Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI) in 2013. I attended their school-year live summits and  served on the Youth Ambassadors in 2013 and 2014 school years. These experiences taught me how to learn from those around me. I was able to work with students who were equally as ambitious and yet so different than I. I learned to listen intently,  as it’s important to take a step back and listen. Instead of listening with the intent to reply, I learned to listen with the intent to understand. It’s important that people feel heard and as I leader I strive to ensure that.

 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.?)

 I cherish my time with 21CL, because it was one of the most unique experiences I have been able to take part in. I value how collaborative the entire program is. 21CL fostered an environment where a group of students were able to collaborate. The R+ memos we received at the end of the programs were such an encouraging surprise. I was overwhelmed with the kindness of my peers and their genuine desire for everyone’s success in leadership and life. I was able to leave summer programs with a new set of friends and a new set of skills that have only propelled my leadership skills.

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 describe my leadership style as being “service led”. I genuinely take joy in seeing the success of others around me; it both humbles and motivates me. I value my interpersonal skills and I recognize that every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impact on others. It is important to know that leadership also means constant growth, every interaction and situation will be different than the one before. It is important to be adaptable while still staying firm in your morals.

Alumni Spotlight: William K. Holley, IV

Our second spotlight for September is William K. Holley, IV a graduate of DeKalb Early College Academy (2016) and currently a computer science senior at Georgia State University. He has served as 21CL Youth Ambassador and regularly volunteers with many organizations including 21st Century Leaders. William has also worked our summer leadership team for our summer leadership institutes in 2018 and 2019. In his post, William shares how 21CL facilitated him to understand the power of diversity and shaped his leadership style.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am a Computer Science senior at Georgia State University. I am also the Digital Editor of The Signal (the official student newspaper of Georgia State University) and a Cartoon Network Digital QA Intern.

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

Participating in 21CL through student programs and leadership roles gave me the experience, knowledge, and confidence necessary to sculpt my current and future self.

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?

Every exercise, conversation, and interaction with 21CL is designed to prepare you for professional world. Easily the most impactful skill/tool/perspective was that of social interaction. One’s ability to deliver a message accurately, passionately, and with respect is translatable to every situation in life.

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

I participated in the summer institutes including, Turner Voices Youth Media Institute in 2014 during my tenure as a student member of 21CL. I also served as a Youth Ambassador from 2014-2016 during the school years and attended the school-year leadership summits and service projects. My ability to communicate a clear and concise message was definitely improved the most through those programs and opportunities.

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 in 21CL was definitely winning the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute (now YMI) program in 2014. I was in a state of awe and was not expecting to then present the pitch on stage in front of about 120 people.

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!

Absolutely. From the day you begin your journey with 21CL you will witness firsthand how diverse this world truly is. People from all walks of life come together with a centralized goal to lead in their schools, communities, social lives, and professions. Understanding the power of diversity and how it makes us stronger as a unit is easily the greatest way 21CL assisted me in developing my leadership style. I no longer go into situations thinking just of myself, but now of who I am, who I represent, and how I can make a positive impact on everyone.

Alumni Spotlight: Chance Mack

Chance Mack is our first alumni spotlight for September 2019! A graduate of Hillgrove High School (2009), and of Georgia State University (2014), Chance currently works as an Enterprise Account Executive at Diverst. He serves as Vice Chair on the inaugural 21CL Junior Board and runs a social enterprising shoe company called Unforgettable Soles. Chance says that 21CL had a profound impact on him and provided him with the foundation to be successful professionally and civically. He believes that leadership begins with faith, believing in something with a pure heart and treating people with respect!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I work in Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) for a tech company called Diverst. I am an Enterprise Account Executive. I help companies understand the value of technology to support their D&I strategy. In the community, I run a shoe company called Unforgettable Soles. We redistribute shoes to under-served parents and children. I also serve as the Vice Chair on the Junior Board of Directors for 21st Century Leaders.

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

Participating in 21CL has helped me develop as a leader and a professional while I was in high school. 21st Century Leaders gave me foundational principals about leadership and professional careers.

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 helped me with my confidence. I’ve always been a social person, but before 21CL I would let others assume the lead. During my experiences with 21CL I learned how to lead with purpose and passion.

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

I participated in 21CL’s Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience in 2007 and acquired great skills in communication (written and verbal), marketing, brand management, and social responsibility.

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 biggest “aha” moment was collaborating on the final project. We had to create a business, think globally and think about community. I think that project helped me become the person I am today.

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 leadership begins with faith. If you believe in something with a pure heart and you treat people with respect, people will follow you.

Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Flanigan

Lauren Flanigan is a graduate of Miller Grove High School (2011) and of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business (2015). She currently works as Brand Manager at Mondelez International and she volunteers regularly in areas of education and mentorship. In this post, Lauren  shares about her leadership journey and how 21CL taught her to be confident and to voice her perspective even when it’s different from the group’s, which she says is a foundation for good leadership. She describes herself as a collaborative, empowering and daring leader!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am currently working as a Brand Manager at Mondelez International. Thus far, I have enjoyed a thriving career at Mondelez, receiving multiple promotions in my 4 years at the company. I also recently graduated from the Mondelez International Leadership Essentials Program and was selected by Mondelez to participate in the 2019 Google Insider Program (an invitation-only program designed to educate and inspire rising stars in the industry). During my time at Mondelez, I have been lucky enough to work on several of Mondelez’s brands, including Trident gum, Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish, Belvita, Oreo Chocolate, Toblerone, Nilla Wafers, and Nutter Butter, just to name a few! In my current role, I am responsible for developing and executing the brand strategy, activation and media plans for Trident gum.

In my spare time, I enjoy volunteer work, particularly in the areas of education and mentorship. I have volunteered in these spaces formally and informally and recently completed a two-year volunteer commitment with America Needs You. I am also an avid reader, fitness enthusiast, and candle-maker. For fun, I enjoy travel, wine tasting and spending time with friends and family.

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

21CL was my first exposure to the world of Media. I distinctly remember the CNN studio visit, where I first learned about media and production. I was totally enamored with all the moving parts and people that went into bringing something to the screen. It was the first time I started to think differently about the process of creation and the way that brands played a role in this ecosystem. After graduating the program, I went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. From there, I took on several internships, including internships at Turner Broadcasting and Kick Ass Productions, where I learned more about Media and media’s connection to branding. This eventually led me to learn about career opportunities in brand management, which I ended up pursuing and absolutely loving! In my current role, media and production play a major part in my day to day responsibilities. I lead the production of commercials for the brands I work on and work closely with media partners to ensure our brands show up on the right platforms. To think, it really all started with the spark 21CL ignited!

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?

In addition to the career exposure, 21CL prepared me for college and professional life by helping me to hone my leadership skills. 21CL helped me to gain confidence in public speaking and networking, both of which play large roles in my current profession (such as my recent presentation to over 600 of Mondelez’s sales force at our National Sales Meeting). Additionally, 21CL emphasized the importance of keeping these skills in practice. That emphasis influenced me to take on leadership roles during college, such as Vice President of Recruiting for my sorority of 200+ girls, and in the workforce, where I currently serve as the President of the Mondelez International African American Council. 

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

 I participated in 21st Century Leaders: Leadership Unplugged (now Youth Media Institute) as a sophomore in high school in 2009. As aforementioned, I definitely gained a lot of confidence from the program. Particularly in public speaking and networking.

 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 memorable “aha” was spending part of the summer away from family and friends to focus on my development. This was a first for me, and was something that I continued to do in the summers and years to come. It helped me to become more comfortable with being uncomfortable and forced me out of my comfort zone. It helped me to learn that I can stand on my own, which is an important leadership value. In learning that I can stand on my own, I’ve had the confidence to have and voice my own perspective, even if it’s different from the group. This is an important skill and is a foundation pillar of good leadership.

 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 describe my leadership style as collaborative, empowering, and daring. I believe that good leaders should be daring enough to have and share their own perspective, even if that means going against the grain. I also believe that a good leader empowers others to do the same and then collaborates with the team to bring those perspectives together. 21CL does a great job of emphasizing collaboration and learning from others. Today, there’s more diversity of thought, background, and perspective than ever! When leveraged properly, this increased emphasis on, and pool of, diversity is a huge asset for leaders and organizations. 21CL helped me to understand this value very early on and has helped shape the leadership style that I have today.

Alumni Spotlight: Jared D. Howard

Jared. D. Howard is a graduate of Redan High School (2013), of Georgia State University (2017) and currently a graduate student at Belhaven University (2020); he works as Admissions Specialist at Morehouse School of Medicine. Jared describes himself as an actor, dancer, and singer who is making waves throughout the entertainment scene in  Atlanta, Georgia and he says that 21CL inspired him in many ways. He says it transformed him to be more vocal and assertive and helped him realize that one can never stop growing. 

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.
After obtaining my undergraduate degree in Theater performance from Georgia State University, I hit the ground running toward my calling. I work as Admissions Specialist at Morehouse School of Medicine and I spend most evenings and weekends rehearsing, filming, performing or auditioning for various projects. Most recently I was blessed with the opportunity to perform with the Marietta Theatre Company in their rendition of the musical comedy “Altar Boyz” and I am now rehearsing for my second stage musical of the year “HYPE!: The 90’s R&B Musical” with Yash Productions. I am currently featured in a number of independent web series, feature length and short films including “Connect the Series”, “GuyCode ATL”, “Deacon”, “High Stakes Game” and “Miscue”. While competitively dedicating myself to stage and film, I am working on the completion of my first music EP project as well.
How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?
Participating in 21CL transformed me to be a lot more vocal and assertive. During my tenure, I learned that when getting things done you have to present yourself in the most professional and respectful way possible, while also making it clear what your goals are and the plan you expect to execute along the way. My leadership skills were certainly sharpened while attending the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute summer program. I found this program extremely beneficial because it opened my eyes to a lot more diversity. I was able to learn from and interact with a wider range of individuals who were not from my same area, skill set or background which prompted me to understand the minds and mannerisms of those 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?
21CL instilled a work ethic and drive that I learned, during my college years, not a lot of people have. In most cases, it is up to you to get things done and no one will spoon feed you along the way. There may be a plethora of opportunities and resources presented to you along the way, but it is ultimately up to you to take advantage and establish your own branding and relationships. Branding was such an integral part of 21CL in my eyes because they taught us at an early age that what you sell yourself as is what people will perceive, so to always be careful and intentional with the relationships you build and power moves that you make.
Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?
I participated in the WarnerMedia’s Youth Media Institute (formerly Turner’s Leadership Unplugged:CNN Experience) and I served on the Youth Ambassadors for my remaining year in the program. I gained a sense of what I wanted to do with my career. Initially, I had interest in the communications field, a part of me still does, but this program helped me realize that my passion was elsewhere. I gained a better skill of communication and I began to understand the logistics of behind the scenes productions.
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.?)
Meeting the on air anchors was the most memorable experience. That is when I realized that an on-camera career is what I was destined for. Watching the various promotional packages displayed during the retreat, Brooke Baldwin was actually the first on-camera talent to bring me to that realization, in the same token, she helped me realize that a career in world news journalism was not my peak of interest.
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 helped me realize that you can never stop growing. They allowed me to understand the basics and how to enhance the qualities that I possessed as a leader. I am currently studying to receive a master’s degree in Sports Administration to enhance my leadership skills and broaden my range of knowledge. One key component that I have personally adapted from studying at Belhaven University, is that keeping God first in your decision-making will take you further than you could ever imagine.

Alumni Spotlight: Brienne’ Coates

Brienne’ Coates our second alumni spotlight for May is an industrial engineer who works for Home Depot as the IFC Analyst. She is graduate of South Paulding High School (2010),  Spelman College (2015), and Georgia Institute of Technology (2016).  Brienne’ is a member of the inaugural 21st Century Leaders Junior Board of Directors and when asked why she is interested in serving on this board, she says “The 21CL Junior Board is a great initiative and platform to give back to youth in Georgia and share experiences that encourage others to be leaders right where they are. It’s an exciting time to reach out, collaborate, and make a difference today!”

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I wake up to the hustle and bustle of accelerating trucks carrying containers with decorative symbols and bold insignia, often wondering where the freight is going. My current role as logistics analyst in partnership with the world’s largest home improvement retail company allows me to support the operational and inter-modal efficiency of shipping freight across the U.S. to ensure on-time delivery to our stores, and valued customers. Collaborating with vendors, dedicated partners, and on-site teams to reduce transit time, maintain roadway safety practices, and initiate more savings is the objective. Additionally, servicing the DIY customer with home goods and power tools to meet their needs results in success sharing. The logistics of coordinating freight enables exponential growth performance by focusing on improving vendor and carrier relationships with emphasis on engagement, support, and compliance. To my delight, fuzzy logic is the crux of data analytics when it comes to transporting freight.

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

Participating in a 21st Century Leaders summer leadership institutes helped open my eyes to the possibilities of leadership. Knowing that leadership skills can be developed and nurtured through a supportive network of peers and experienced professionals is remarkable. When I reflect on my experience with 21CL, I am continuously reminded to take on new leadership roles and engage in the adventure that follows.

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?

Discussing leadership challenges and development in a 21CL program prepared me for the next step of taking on leadership roles. In further consideration, it was the guidance, and encouragement from the staff, volunteers and peers which really helped to create a memorable and fun experience that got me excited about becoming a transformational leader in my community. I also gained a better understanding of how leadership spans across networks of people and systems for a bigger purpose. Having toured the facility of a primary electric utility company which supplies power to millions, my perspective was shaped by this experience. It inspired me to customize my leadership journey and maximize opportunities in higher education and professional development.

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

I participated in 21CL’s 2009 EarthCare summer leadership institute at Berry College in Rome, GA.  I improved my soft skills and enjoyed interacting with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Interestingly, taking part in a life-sized obstacle course exercise made me realize the importance of team work, momentum and agility in overcoming real-life challenges.

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.?)

Being involved in the environmental leadership challenge focused on reducing energy consumption and collaboratively delivering a winning proposal was a memorable ‘aha’ moment. In sharing the journey with other self-motivated individuals, I continue to embrace leadership skills and develop confidence in my ability to communicate and lead others effectively.

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, assisted by the workshops and tours provided by 21st Century Leaders, my leadership style has ­­­been influenced through networking with other student leaders and positive role models. By practicing bridge-building leadership, I am a more effective leader. As a 21CL alumna, I realized that leadership skills learned and activated today creates wisdom for effective leadership tomorrow.

 

Alumni Spotlight: Tessa Szalkowski

Alumna Tessa Szalkowski is our first spotlight for May! A graduate of Henry.W.Grady High School (2016) and currently a junior at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a chemistry major with a minor in marine science and currently works in a laboratory that studies air chemistry in the Galápagos Islands. Tessa says that 21CL gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams and give back to community. Read on about Tessa and don’t forget to fill out the alumni career update form and share about your career progress, connect with other alumni and let us know if you would like to be featured on 21CL alumni blog post.

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

In my freshman year of high school, I joined 21CL’s school-based club at Grady, where I began a project to collect children’s books for the Kigali Public Library in Rwanda. 21st Century Leaders helped me expand from a small, local project to a state-wide fundraiser. They organized lectures for me to speak about the Kigali Book Project with students and teachers, developing my public speaking skills.  With 21st Century Leaders’ help, I rounded up over ten thousand books! In 2014, I was awarded their annual Georgia Youth Leadership Award. 21st Century Leaders gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams and dream big.

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 developed my networking skills and taught me how to give back to my community. With 21CL, I participated in many volunteer events at my high school and spoke with adults in the Atlanta business community on a regular basis. 21CL contributed valuable life skills that I continue to use to this very day.

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

In 2013, I attended their EarthCare, summer leadership institute. This institute taught me how to talk to professionals, give presentations to business executives, and collaborate with my peers.

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

During the EarthCare institute, my team won the Clean Air Campaign challenge. We were given the task to come up with the best school campaign to decrease air pollution. My teammates and I worked hard on the assignment, brainstormed and came up with with a great presentation. When I heard our names called as the winning team, I realized that putting in the time and effort to a noble cause truly pays off. I discovered my true passion for environmental science during this project. I now work as an air chemist in a research lab, so I never gave up on that dream.

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 has taught me how to think on my feet and go with my gut instinct. To further promote my Kigali Book Project, 21CL asked me to collect books and make bookmarks with the students at their annual winter training, Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit. Upon arrival, I was asked to share a few words after the Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, Stacey Abrams. (Little did I know she would make a run at Georgia governor!) I was so nervous to address this room of bright students without a speech prepared, but after a gracious introduction, I took the stage and began to speak. Public speaking on the spot was something I would not have dared to do even a few years before. However, 21CL gives you the skills to face your fears with the utmost confidence. I have utilized these public speaking skills and ability to think on my feet as a leader in my academics and research.

Alumni Spotlight: Tavari Turner

Tavari Turner, our first alumni spotlight for April, is the Director of Grants and Special Initiatives at Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattahoochee Valley. Tavari serves on the inaugural 21CL Junior Board of Directors and says that serving there will be a great first step for him to giving back to an organization that provided him a dynamic opportunity to learn new leadership skills and interact with different professionals in the community.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am currently serving as the Director of Grants & Special Initiatives for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley. In this role I support the organization in raising funds via cultivation of public and private foundations who support our programs and services. In this role, I also support the management and compliance of over 1.5 million dollars in federal funds. In addition to my fundraising role, I also support the organization in several special initiatives including our Youth of the Year program which recognizes the Clubs’ shining stars and culminates in a huge awards night and fundraiser.

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

Participating in 21CL transformed me because it taught me some very critical leadership skills at an early age. One critical skill was the importance of teamwork when trying to meet a goal. I am sold on the importance of utilizing a team when working toward goals and it has guided me well in the early stages of my 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?

21CL prepared me for my next steps in college because I was prepared with the Leadership skills needed for college such as collaboration and communication. I learned a lot about myself and my personal leadership style which allowed me to work in a groups and to voice my opinion and not force my opinion.

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

21st Century Leaders – Leadership Unplugged 2012 ; I learned a lot about collaboration and communication skill building. I have implemented several of these skills and ideals in my personal and professional life. I continue to be amazed at the growth and opportunities that have come to me because of my involvement in 21CL.

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 dinner held at CNN was an ‘aha’ moment for me. I was so fascinated with the opportunity to speak with professionals from different industries and discuss how leadership and the skills we learned during the program have played a practical role in their careers. There were many fun and engaging opportunities like this during the program 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!

21CL helped me develop leadership style that has guided me through my career thus far. I have learned to be a servant leader whether leading or being a participant in a project. I understand the true power of collaboration and serving others in a positive manner.