Programs like this are important because so many people have leaders sleeping inside themselves, and 21CL and programs like it help to inspire and awaken our inner leader. That was certainly the case for me.
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21CL is very intentional about giving students early opportunities to lead. During one program, I was asked to say the dedication over dinner—a first for me. While it was a small task, the experience felt empowering, and the encouragement I received afterward showed me that leadership doesn’t have to be intimidating. This lesson gave me confidence to step into new leadership roles and taught me to volunteer for opportunities, even if they make me nervous or are unfamiliar.
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21CL encouraged me to see myself as a leader. As a 17-year-old, I never would have considered myself a leader but 21CL helped me to change my perspective and see that I wasn’t becoming a future leader; I was a leader. This empowered me to pursue new opportunities with confidence. I pursued leadership roles in organizations I was a part of and even spoke up in meetings where I wasn’t the most experienced person in the room. I think this realization came for me through the Georgia Youth Leadership Awards when I received the award in 2018.
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21CL connected me with a life-changing internship. In the summer of 2016, I worked at Warner Bros Discovery (formerly Turner) as a “Turner Voices Intern” for the Department of Culture and Engagement. I even helped plan the following year’s summer camp! That internship sparked a chain reaction. I secured internships every summer after that through my growing network, setting me up for success and ultimately leading to a fantastic job that took me from Atlanta to NYC.
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The program taught me the core qualities of leadership—confidence, humility, professionalism, and resilience. Through 21CL, I learned that leadership is not only about guiding others but also about consistently showing up as the best version of myself in any environment. These skills were invaluable as I navigated new leadership roles in college and beyond.
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21st Century Leaders provided an eye-opening perspective through the networking, panel sessions, speaking engagements, etc. I learned so much and really got a better understanding of what my future could look like. And as plus, I met many likeminded individuals that have become friends/connections for life.
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21CL taught me the importance of networking, building connections, and being confident in myself. Developing those skills has helped me to become a communications professional for local municipalities where I am responsible for keeping thousands of residents informed, educated, and engaged. In times of crisis, 21CL has prepared me to become a fearless leader in rolling out a communications plan and protocol for my staff that focuses on keeping the community safe and informed in a timely manner
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The program exposed me to a variety of unique leadership styles and introduced me to many inspiring individuals. It played a pivotal role in allowing me to not only develop the leaders around me but also the leader within me!
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21CL helped me understand the connection between effective communication and effective leadership. A leader’s vision is only as effective as his/her ability to express it. I’ve always cared immensely about language (both written and spoken). 21CL gave me frameworks (i.e., the elevator pitch, the cold call, extemporizing, etc.) that helped me channel my sometimes-scattered thoughts into a coherent vision. Notably, my experiences with 21CL fortified my confidence as a public speaker and encouraged me to raise my hand eagerly for public speaking opportunities throughout my 20’s.
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You and your network are invited to this leadership summit designed for and by young professionals. That’s right, this leadership development opportunity isn’t for our high school students, but for young professionals eager to take their leadership development to the next level while supporting a good cause.
In honor of our 35th anniversary, our Alumni Board is hosting this professional and leadership development and networking opportunity while raising support for our programs and our sustainability campaign. Did we mention, you’ll get a professional headshot as your takeaway!?
Take your leadership to the next level and dive into the following topics with industry leaders:
All Young Professionals are invited to attend. You do not have to be a 21CL Alumni, but do have to be 18 years of age/graduated from high school or older.
