Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer Leyting

Our second Alumni Spotlight for October 2019 is Jennifer Leyting a graduate of Collins Hill High School (2007) and of The University of Georgia ( 2011). She currently works as an Administrative Specialist II at the University of Georgia. She is an artist who painted one of the big Athens bulldawg statues for the UGA Police Department and who is championing many other initiatives.  Jennifer says 21CL provided a safe space to just be and believe in her genuine self and have positive peer relationships.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am working as an Administrative Specialist II in the Department of Infectious Diseases at College of Veterinary Medicine at University of Georgia. I also work as the assistant to the department head and the digital media coordinator for the department. I handle records requests, records retention, and some ordering. I’m on the EITS Mentorship Council, which runs this program.

I also serve as Coordinator on the UGA Staff Council representing the College of Veterinary Medicine and I’m on the Steering Committee for the United Campus Workers of Georgia Local 3265. University of Georgia was where the union got started, now we have over 430 members across 9 campuses and we are currently working on a statewide campaign for cost of living raises for USG employees.

I’m living in Watkinsville, GA with my significant other, Alex Medina, and 3 stepsons, 2 of which are Eagle Scouts. Alex and I have volunteered for many years with Boy Scout Troop 44 out of Winterville, GA, which is the troop that all 3 boys were in. We both have volunteered in the Society of Creative Anachronism Kingdom of Meridies Barony of Bryn Madoc for many years, Alex still volunteers with this group. I’ve since started my art career, and I have painted one of the big Athens bulldawg statues for the UGA Police Department which is now housed in the Hodgson Oil Building. I also participated in the Lake Herrick Eco-Art Project where teams of scientists and artists created works themed around the clean-up effort and reopening at Lake Herrick on UGA’s campus. My team’s project was accepted at the poster session at the Georgia Water Resources Conference and is now on display at the River Basin Center. I’m also currently working on some pieces to submit to the Winterville Arts Council.

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

Participating in 21CL had a profound effect on my life. For the first time since the death of my grandfather the summer after 4th grade, something was able to get me out of my own head. The facilitators, teachers, and RA’s of 21CL saw value and potential in me and more importantly they were able to make me see these things in myself. I know that sounds super cliché, but I had already attempted suicide once by the time a representative came to my school to invite students to summer camp. I actually only applied because my mom said it would look good on my resume. 21CL was the first place in a long time where I was able to have positive peer relationships. I was outside of the bubble of influence of upper middle class Gwinnett County suburbia. I was exposed to people from all sorts of different backgrounds from across the state, folks that I would not have gotten the opportunity to interact with otherwise. These people became my friends. Friends who were actually concerned about my health and well-being. Friends who invited me to events and genuinely were excited to see me when I showed up. These experiences were so foreign and new to me. I think one of the greatest things that 21CL did for me was give me hope, which inspired me. It inspired me to live. As I took control of my own life instead of just living on the autopilot plan that had been chosen for me by public school and my parents of go to college, get a job and have one’s life entirely defined by one’s career, I started to comprehend what I had gained during my time in the program and how I could pay that kindness forward. I wanted to be a resource for others like 21CL had been for me. I majored in family financial planning and got a Bachelor of Science in Family Consumer Sciences. I had the knowledge so was able to serve as the Merit Badge Counselor in Troop 44 for the Personal Management Merit badge, which deals with consumer economics, saving & investing, project planning, and time management. These boys came from families where financial literacy was most certainly not being taught. I was in a position where I could help so I did. I’ve also used my own personal mental health journey to be an advocate for spreading awareness about depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. At work, I make sure to promote wellness and mental health awareness to our graduate students and my coworkers. For several years, I have celebrated May as Mental Health Awareness Month by putting out my own stories and struggles as well as resources on various topics to help end the stigma around mental health. The momentum kept going.

Through my leadership certificate from UGA, I learned more about different types of leadership and how leadership is influence. I wanted to be a positive influence on a grassroots level where ever I was, regardless of how small of an interaction I had with someone. I have done my best to teach my stepsons to respect all people, to care about issues of those less fortunate or less privileged than themselves, to take care of themselves and process their emotions is a productive manner, and solve conflicts by using their words instead of violence. Basically, I would not be the person I am today without 21CL. They saved me.

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

 I think that 21CL took away some of that fear of interacting with people I didn’t know and also gave me the courage to put myself out there for opportunities, knowing that I might not succeed at all of them. I think that 21CL showed me that my perseverance could be applied to more than just surviving the daily grind. I applied to UGA’s Honors Program and was denied, instead of giving up I got a 4.0 my fall semester and reapplied and was admitted. I ended up graduating with an Honors Program capstone. I applied for the UGA Student Government Associate Student Senate and was denied, instead of having a pity party, I went into the SGA general body and joined the academic committee. After I was admitted into the Terry College of Business, I rushed for the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity and was denied, but I joined the Medieval and Renaissance Society where I ended up serving as President, meeting Alex, and ultimately getting a part time job at UGA in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences IT department. Basically, life is strange and twisty, if I had just given up I wouldn’t be where I am now!

I still remember the “Model the Way” exercise and trying to fold that dang origami thing. I remember this when I am training people that everyone has a different learning style and showing people is often one of the best ways to give instruction.

I also remember the blind fold obstacle course activity. I’m reminded that precise communication is extremely important and also to have faith in your team. There have been a lot of individuals on the autism/aspergers spectrum that I have met in my adult life and it’s that level of exact communication that is sometimes needed. In fact, one of my stepsons has aspergers.

These are things that occurred over a decade ago. A week at summer camp. A weekend leadership trip. An evening networking event. Small amounts of time with huge impacts. 21CL really taught me to take the time and see situations from other people’s perspectives. This has been invaluable working in the union when we are talking about issues relating to non-administrative staff or employees on other campuses or traditionally underpaid workers in the Athens Clarke County community.

Also as silly as it is sounds, learning how to salsa made me realize I could dance. I went on to learn medieval and renaissance dances and even perform an Old English Country dance in costume in front of A LOT of people at the UGA Student Organization Involvement Fair.

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

I participated in the summer leadership institutes; one of which was held at Oglethorpe University. I went on to work as an RA for the 21CL summer camps, specifically Oglethorpe, Berry College, & Emory, while I was in college. I think the biggest take away I got from 21CL was an appreciation for diversity in all of its many forms. Having been to camp and met campers from all different backgrounds gave me some perspective on life and encouraged my emotional maturity at time when I was immersed in the rather homogeneous culture of white middle class suburbia. I feel that 21CL gave me the confidence to stretch outside of my comfort zone and introduce myself to folks that I would have been too nervous to talk to otherwise. I learned to be more people oriented and to slow down and listen to others. Sometimes the problem isn’t the problem, sometimes the problem is that people just feel like they are not being heard.

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 remember one of the summer staff members, Jessica, teaching us table setting and formal dining etiquette. That’s something I have passed down to my stepsons. Even when I’m at conferences or formal lunches, I still make a B and D with my hands to remember which drink is mine. It’s just simple stuff like that, that sticks with you.

Speaking of formal dinners, the pre-dinner networking was probably the scariest thing that I did at the summer program. But without it, I don’t think I would have forced myself to get over my fear of talking to people I didn’t know. Also having to introduce a speaker was terrifying but helped me get over speaking in front of a crowd. Though I haven’t had to specifically introduce speakers recently, I’ve had to present at faculty meetings. I challenge anyone to find a tougher audience than academics who don’t want to be in a meeting.

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 think the program helped me realize that there were different leadership styles and different situations could call for different styles and to remain flexible with each new project or new team so I could adapt my style to what was needed to accomplish our goals.

At the end of the day, you have to be okay with the decisions you make. You have to be able to look yourself in the mirror and be okay with the person looking back at you. You have to be to be able to sleep soundly knowing you stuck firmly to your ethics, regardless of what anyone else said, did, voted, etc. It’s easy to be that person when times are easy. It’s a lot harder to be that person when actually confronted with adversity. Being a leader is hard, especially when the stakes are high. You have to make the tough decisions, sometimes when you don’t have all the information or all the answers. Sometimes you are going to be the only one who votes on a particular side of an issue. I lived through that this past spring regarding a union conflict. No matter how much pressure or guilt or other tactics were applied, I had my conscience to answer to. The one thought that kept circling in my mind during the whole situation was that I was so thankful that Bob and Zeena and Jeremy and Mike and the whole 21CL family had raised me right and already prepared me for a moment like this.

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: Gabrielle Elisabeth

Gabrielle (Benson) Elisabeth, is our first alumni spotlight for July. A graduate of Robert Alexander High School (2010) in Douglas County and of the University of West Georgia (2014). She currently lives in New York City, performing in Beautiful The Carole King Musical as Little Eva/ Shirelle on Broadway and is pursuing a career in the film and television industry. She’s also appeared on the TV show, The Marvelous Mrs.Maisel (season 2 on Amazon Prime). She was recognized and awarded by University of West Georgia with the 30 under 30 award for being on top of her career and she serves with several organizations that help give back to her local community through the arts.

Gabrielle says that 21CL provided her a safe place to learn how to be confident and to present herself in a business environment and opened her eyes to a world of opportunities. 

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

21st Century Leaders helped me gain confidence in myself and helped me learn how to present myself in a business environment. I was a very shy child and having a safe place to learn these skills was an amazing opportunity.

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 helped me see just how big the world is and how there are so many different types of people with an endless amount of skills. This may sound intimidating at first, but it helped me realize how important it is to work hard at your craft and to find what makes YOU stand out.

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

I attended the summer leadership institute, EarthCare with Georgia Power in summer of 2010. I mainly learned self-confidence and how to conduct myself in business situations.

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

A standout moment for me during the program was having dinner with business professionals. Learning proper table etiquette and conversing with people who have already established themselves in their chosen field was important. It showed me that business is just as much social as it is professional.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!
21st Century Leaders definitely taught me the importance of following through, but also the importance of listening. Sometimes the best leaders say the least. It’s not always about getting the glory or being the face of a project. There is so much strength and professionalism in the details.

Alumni Spotlight: Onyekachim Amauwah

Meet Onyekachim Amauwah (PhD.), our second alumni spotlight for June! She is a graduate of Collins Hill High School (2009), of Georgia State University and of Hampton University (2019). Onyekachim says that 21CL gave her skills that made her a leader who leaves room for others to shine! 

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I recently graduated from Hampton University with my doctorate degree in physical therapy.  My life has wholly been that of a full time graduate student, so I’m slowly re-entering “regular” daily life including getting involved in community service activities, looking to moving out of state to begin practicing and finding work/life balance.

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

21 Century Leaders helped me refine my thought process on leadership. It’s not about being the most boisterous or only using my plan, but about using a team approach and listening to the ideas of others. It taught me how to work with people from different backgrounds and ethnic groups, while working for the greater good.

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?

The program helped me feel more confident with my interview process and getting into undergrad. I also used that confidence at work.

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 attended the winter leadership summit almost 10 years ago and I don’t remember a specific ‘aha’ moment but the whole summit was inspirational.

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 was a catalyst to my success in leadership roles, something I didn’t realize until much later. Interacting with people from different backgrounds,  preparing and delivering an elevator speech, were some of the important skills I learned. Now that I am preparing to enter my career I am going to put to good use these skills acquired and refined over the years and continue to be a leader that leaves room for others to shine. A leader does not have to be the focal point of a gathering! 

 

Alumni Spotlight: Jacque-Corey Cormier

Jacque-Corey Cormier, Ph.D. is our first alumni spotlight for June 2019! A graduate of Southwest DeKalb High School (2006), Morehouse College (2010, Masters), Georgia Southern (2012), and of Georgia State University (2017, PhD) He currently works as a clinical Assistant Professor at Georgia State University in the School of Public Health. Jacque-Corey also serves on the inaugural 21CL Junior Board and has served as 21CL Summer staff for more than 13 years. He says he serves on the 21CL Junior Board so he can advance the mission of 21st Century Leaders and assist in the development of youth.

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

21CL transformed how I thought about leadership and influence.  The person who knows when to ask less talkative people for their input, how to motivate a team towards a common goal, and how to ensure that group members get something out of their contributions has more influence than a person with the title and selfish intentions.

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 college and graduate school as I had to take a lot of personal initiative to get research and professional experiences.  From networking to group projects, my academic career was filled with opportunities to lead others.  I have served as president for a couple of student organizations and in other executive roles for others.

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

Between the summers of 2003 and 2005, I attended summer leadership institutes at Oglethorpe College, Southern Polytechnic College, and Georgia Southern University.  I became more aware of college settings and a better communicator.

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 senior year (2005) Bob Watson, founding executive director, led an activity where we had to work in groups to build a Lego helicopter.  The one person who saw the final Lego product was not allowed to speak unless someone asked him/her a question.  We did not realize that the non-talker had the most useless information until midway through the activity.  Those who talk less hear more, so never forget to include them in group decisions.

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 completed my Community Psychology Ph.D. dissertation on transformational leadership development, so I could write several pages on leadership styles.  I have learned that transformational leadership, the style of leadership 21CL teaches, is the one most associated with favorable outcomes, i.e. task deliverables, employee satisfaction, and group member engagement.

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: Liesel Stanhope

Liesel Stanhope is our second alumni spotlight for April; a graduate of Chamblee High School (1998), of Duke University (2002), and of American University Washington College of Law (2011). She previously served in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer (Nuke) in Japan for five years and is currently a practicing attorney. Liesel is a member of the inaugural 21st Century Leaders Junior Board of Directors and when asked why she wanted to serve on the Junior Board she says: “I really enjoyed this program and have very fond memories. I met so many people who were different than me and led different lives than me and now (20 years later) I think that this may have been one of the most valuable parts of my education”.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now:
I work remotely as an attorney negotiating contracts between private equity firms. This is an amazing position for me because my husband is in the Navy and not only does this allow me to take my work with me when we move, but it allows me to spend more time with my kids while they are small and have time to spend theirs with me.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?
I have had an unusual career path and looking back I think that the most important thing I gained from 21CL was the awareness that there are different types of leadership styles for different people and for different situations. I went to college on an ROTC scholarship and was commissioned as an officer in the Navy when I graduated. As a division officer on a forward deployed guided missile cruiser, less than a year out of college, I was responsible for the maintenance and deployment of the missiles on the ship. I didn’t fit into the mold of a typical naval officer and my time with 21CL allowed me to confidently forge my own leadership style in this challenging real world environment.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?
(said in an old geezer’s voice) There was only one program when I went to 21CL! (back to my normal voice) In addition to an awareness of different types of leadership styles I really enjoyed meeting a diverse group of kids from across Georgia. I was also always really impressed with the involvement of business leaders in the program. Now that I am a working parent I understand how important time is and the time that the members of Atlanta’s business community put into the program reminds me that it does take a village to raise kids and I try to live up to the standard that those leaders set.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL
I have many fond memories of 21CL, but I can’t think of an aha! moment. I enjoyed every camp that I attended, but it was hard for me to realize the importance of what I learned there until I was faced with my own leadership challenges. I think that this awareness also allowed me to figure out what successful (and not so successful) leaders were doing around me.

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.

Alumni Spotlight: Delaney Strunk

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

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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