Alumni Spotlight: Terence Pennyman

My advice to current and future students is to approach the program with an open mind and a willingness to grow. No two stars in the sky are alike, yet each one shines in its own way. When students recognize their unique strengths and support one another, they create something far greater than any individual effort. Embrace every opportunity to learn, connect, and step outside your comfort zone. You may be surprised not only by what you discover about yourself, but by how brightly you are capable of shining.

Alumni Spotlight: Jarrius Jackson

21st Century Leaders helped me develop a leadership style rooted in confidence, communication, and self-awareness. The program pushed me to become more outspoken and intentional about how I lead and how I use my voice.

21CL Alumni Alumni Spotlight Marietta High School Morehouse College summer leadership institute Summer Leadership Team young professionals

Alumni Spotlight: Jay Sureka

The most memorable moment during my 21st Century Leaders years was the opportunity to give a speech during the closing of the program I was attending. After meeting so many talented and hard-working individuals, it was rewarding for me to share my perspective about what we had accomplished during the short week-long program

21CL Alumni Alumni Spotlight Johns Creek High School PreMed Candidate University of Georgia young professionals

Alumni Spotlight: Kennedy Camp

Regardless of which 21CL program you attend, you gain essential soft skills—teamwork, leadership, grit, and public speaking—that will support you in any field. My advice to students is to take the networking opportunities seriously. People are eager to support you at this stage, and you never know how one connection could help shape your future.

21CL Alumni Alumni Spotlight Public Health Strategist Servant Leadership South Cobb High School summer leadership institute The University of Georgia young professionals youth leadership

Alumni Spotlight: Neha Chaparala

I had dreamt of being a physician and pursuing a career in the medical field for as long as I could remember, however, that dream evolved with my participation in 21CL. When I became a 21st Century Leader, I was exposed to multiple different career paths that sparked new interests!

21CL Alumni 21CL Alumni Board Alumni Spotlight healthcare healthcare industry internship Mercer Professional Networking Sequoia Consulting Servant Leadership summer leadership institute UGA young professionals

Alumni Spotlight: Jade Bennett

Learning how to craft an elevator pitch and network effectively was incredibly valuable. Understanding how to network properly and efficiently is an essential skill, especially in Washington D.C. and on Capitol Hill. This skill has stayed with me throughout high school, college, and now in my professional career. I am truly grateful to 21CL for teaching me and other high school students these important skills at such a crucial stage in our lives

21CL Alumni 35th anniversary Alumni Spotlight Georgia Southern University Peach County High School summer leadership institute United States Senate young professionals youth leadership

Alumni Spotlight: James Wilson

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.

21CL Alumni 35th anniversary Alumni Spotlight Community Leader Educator Georgia State University Newton High School young professionals youth leadership

Alumni Spotlight: Patrice Johnson

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.

21CL Alumni 35th anniversary Alumni Spotlight Emory University Northgate High School Spelman College young professionals

Alumni Spotlight: Mary Grace Feldman

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.

21CL Alumni 35th anniversary Alumni Spotlight Colquitt County High School University of Georgia young professionals

Alumni Spotlight: Estefi Herrera-Paredes

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.

21CL Alumni 21CL Youth Ambassador 35th anniversary Alumni Spotlight Georgia College & State University Google Warner Bros Discovery young professionals youth leadership

Alumni Spotlight: Terence Pennyman