youth leadership – 21st Century Leaders

21CL Announces 2025 Georgia Youth Leadership Awardees

Nicole Meadows — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 21:52:11 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

21 Georgia High School Students to Be Honored at Signature Be the Inspiration Gala

(February 5, 2025) Atlanta, GA – 21st Century Leaders, Georgia’s premier youth leadership and workforce readiness program for high school students from diverse backgrounds across the state, announces the top 21 youth leaders selected for its annual Georgia Youth Leadership Awards (GYLA). The honorees will be recognized at the nonprofit’s annual fundraising event, the Be the Inspiration Gala, presented by Warner Bros. Discovery, to be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Ga.

21st Century Leaders (21CL), in partnership with the event’s corporate sponsors and partners, brings together business and civic leaders to raise support for 21st Century Leaders’ year-round leadership programs while also recognizing 21 of their own outstanding high school students throughout Georgia who have made a significant impact on their schools, communities and beyond.

21CL serves over 2,500 students annually and this year’s 21 awardees – all in high school and all members of 21st Century Leaders – include nonprofit founders, entrepreneurs, content creators, advocates, and volunteers who truly represent the diversity of Georgia with students from DeKalb to Muscogee to Richmond counties. The honorees exhibit 21CL’s leadership values of being resilient, service-oriented, forward-thinking, resourceful, and inclusive. The 21 awardees were carefully chosen by a 27-member selection committee of business professionals, 21CL Board of Directors, 21CL corporate volunteers and community leaders, and 21CL alumni and student peers. The full selection committee is listed below and on 21CL’s website.

21st Century Leaders is proud to announce the following 21 outstanding youth leaders for its 2025 Georgia Youth Leadership Awards:

Moatapari Agbere, Chattahoochee County High School, from Muscogee County
Ashley Nelson, Chamblee Charter High School, from DeKalb County
Michelle Wang, Fulton Science Academy, from Fulton County
Pranav Yellapragada, Chattahoochee High School, from Fulton County
Wendell Rogers, Dunwoody High School, from DeKalb County
Sreepadha Daram, Innovation Academy, from Fulton County
Hadil Adam, Clarkston High School, from DeKalb County
Ibraheem Hassan, Lakeside High School (Evans), from Columbia County
Tessa Hayes, Jefferson County High School, from Jefferson County
Daniella Taiwo, Lovejoy High School, from Fayette County
Christopher Boyd, Landmark Christian School, from Clayton County
Kenia Gonzalez-Chavez, Cedar Shoals High School, from Athens-Clarke County
Laurin McCoy, Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, from Richmond County
Ca’Leia Nelson, Milton High School, from Gwinnett County
Jace Williams, Westlake High School, from Fulton County
Ethan Barlay, Rockdale Magnet School, from Rockdale County
Sheona Diwakar, Campbell High School (Smyrna), from Cobb County
Micah Newton, Pickens County High School, from Pickens County
Yasmin Rios, Swainsboro High School, from Emanuel County
Sauyer Stewart, Arabia Mountain High School, from DeKalb County
Ronak Vyas, Alpharetta High School, from Fulton County

Through corporate sponsors’ support, each youth leader will be presented with a $500 grant at the Be the Inspiration Gala, with one student awarded the Warner Bros. Discovery Student Leadership Award, the event’s top award which includes a $1,000 grant from the presenting sponsor, Warner Bros. Discovery. Students are also paired with coaches who mentor the students throughout the event season. Our Georgia Youth Leadership Award Coaches are recognized and accomplished community leaders and/or members of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 alumni, maintaining a partnership established with the group in 2008 when 21st Century Leaders first launched this event. The student winners and coaches met at a private Meet + Greet luncheon on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Emory’s Goizueta Business School, a sponsor and supporter.

This year’s Be the Inspiration Gala is being led by Co-Chairs and 21CL Board of Directors members Mari Sifo of Host Hotels and Resorts and Chi Nguyen of Insight Global. For more information about the Be the Inspiration Gala or to purchase a ticket to the event, please visit www.21stcenturyleaders.org. All proceeds from the event will support 21CL’s ongoing efforts to provide youth leadership and talent development programs for high school students across Georgia at little to no cost to students.

Georgia Youth Leadership Awards Coaches:

The Georgia Youth Leadership Award coaches for the 2025 student winners are Maranie Brown, BlackRock, 21CL Board of Directors*; Greg Clay, City of Atlanta, Mayor’s Office, 21CL Alumni*; Whitney Deal Marshall, Whitney Marshall Coaching*; Naceo Denney, Georgia Power*; Chandra Farley, City of Atlanta, Mayor’s Office of Sustainability & Resilience*; David Felfoldi, SHERPA Global*; Marty Fleischmann, The Masters Team*, Former 21CL Board of Directors; Tania Garcia, Senior Marketing Executive, 21CL Board of Directors; Brian Goebel, Goizueta Business School, Business & Society Institute, 21CL Board of Directors*; Taylor Green, Amazon Web Services, 21CL Alumni*; Poojan Karnik, Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center; Ashley Lee, The Coca-Cola Company*; DJ Lewis, Technology Consulting Executive; Lanita Lucas, Aflac*; Dr. Brandon Morgan, Iconic Orthodontics, 21CL Alumni*; Taunia Nkromo-Stevenson, Warner Bros. Discovery*; Michael Quigley, OVH Media*; Martha Revelo, DeKalb County; Ed Roche, Cox Enterprises, Former 21CL Board of Directors; Assi Van Bastelaar, Spotfire

Georgia Youth Leadership Awards Selection Committee
All nominations were reviewed by our 27-member GYLA Selection Committee, comprised of 21CL corporate volunteers, 21CL Board of Directors, and 21CL alumni and student peers. Committee members included the coaches indicated above, along with Curtis Bennett, MarketSource; Erik Bryant, Truist Wealth, 21CL Board of Directors; Neha Chaparala, Mercer, 21CL Alumni Board; Susannah Darrow, Purpose Possible; Dr. Shaneeta Johnson, Morehouse School of Medicine; Jeff Kupor, Invesco, 21CL Board of Directors; Clarke LeGrande, Wellstar; Jason Wallace, Capital Group, 21CL Board of Directors; Thurman Williams, Community Volunteer, Coca-Cola (retired); Anqi Zou, Truist, 21CL Board of Directors; and Hannah Lang, 21CL Youth Ambassador and 2024 GYLA Student Recipient.

About 21st Century Leaders
Since 1989, 21st Century Leaders has served more than 20,000 diverse high school students from 95% of Georgia’s counties. 21st Century Leaders’ mission is to connect, transform, and inspire high school students from diverse backgrounds across the state of Georgia to leverage diversity, explore career opportunities, and become leaders in their school, community, and ultimately the workforce.

21st Century Leaders is currently accepting student applications (until March 1st) into their leadership and development program and for their summer leadership institutes for the 2025 summer. The summer leadership institutes are residential one-week programs hosted on a college campus with our corporate partners and business professionals. 21CL accepts rising sophomores, juniors and seniors for the institutes. High school students of any grade can enroll in Leadership Connect, 21CL’s online learning platform, at any time and join the organization. For more information about 21st Century Leaders, visit www.21stcenturyleaders.org.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Nicole Smith
Director of Programs & Communications, 21st Century Leaders
nicole@21stcenturyleaders.org | 404.373.7441

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Alumni Spotlight: Jade Bennett

Anne Gahongayire — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 21:11:44 +0000

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

35th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight

2020’s Decade
Name: Jade Bennett
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 2020
High School: Peach County High School
College: Georgia Southern University
Current Role: Staff Assistant, United States Senate

How has your career unfolded and how did participating in 21CL help prepare you for your next steps going to college, taking on a new leadership role in community/college and after?

21st Century Leaders has played an important role in my academic, professional, and personal life. The skills I learned from the program have helped me grow as a person and in how I navigate the world. I was the first student from my county to apply and be accepted in the program [in quite a while], and my participation in the Earthcare summer leadership institute introduced me to many students my age who were very inspiring, and learning about their success and their dreams inspired me to aim higher and want to succeed in life. Coming from a rural area with limited access to such leadership development programs made me feel lost and less prepared than most of my peers but 21CL afforded me the opportunity to meet with executives and alumni of the program who offered me great support and advice. Through the program, I also received a scholarship and an internship with a business in my hometown. This helped tremendously for my college applications.

While a college student at Georgia Southern University, I joined various organizations and found my passion working with NGOs in the state of Georgia. I served as the president of Eagles Against Sex Trafficking (E.A.S.T.) and I worked with the Criminal Coordinating Justice Council and Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia to help create initiatives to combat human trafficking. This eventually led me to my current role as a congressional staffer on Capitol Hill. I hope to continue advocating for and implementing legislations that serve underrepresented communities. If I hadn’t had the exposure to public speaking and networking, I wouldn’t have been able to put myself forward, network and become the leader that I am today.

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

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.

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

Yes, 21CL taught me that being an effective leader isn’t about being the loudest in the room. Instead, it’s about listening to your peers, valuing their opinions, and incorporating them into your approach. A great leader knows how to take constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity for growth. Leading by example and supporting others along the way are key to long-term success. Additionally, the team-building exercises and the people that I met are an invaluable experience that I’m forever grateful for.

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

Programs like 21st Century Leaders are essential for young people because they provide high school students with the opportunities to explore various careers, develop strong leadership skills, discover your passions, connect with inspiring peers, and grow professionally and personally—all key to success as they transition from high school to college and beyond. My advice to future students is to be a sponge: soak up all the knowledge offered, trust in yourself, and always stay true to who you are.

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Alumni Spotlight: Lailah Simmons

Anne Gahongayire — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 23:13:26 +0000

35th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight

2020’s Decade
Name: Lailah Simmons
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 2021
High School: Dutchtown High School
College: North Carolina A&T State University
Current Role: Computer Graphics Student at North Carolina A&T State University (2025)

How has your career unfolded and how did participating in 21CL help prepare you for your next steps going to college, taking on a new leadership role in community/college and after?

Through the skills I learned in my experience with 21st Century Leaders, I was able to break out of my shell and utilize important networking skills that have helped me acquire two Graphic Design internships during my college career, create a photography business, and be a crucial member of several organizations here at North Carolina A&T State University.

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

My most memorable moment was back in 2018 when I attended the EarthCare summer leadership institute, and we did the Walk The Line activity. I cried in front of/with my fellow campmates. It was a great moment to see all the things we’d been through and this got me closer to my newfound friends.

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

21CL showed me that leading from a relatable perspective is the best way to bond with people. My counselors at the institute were like big siblings to me for the week I attended 21CL’s Summer Leadership Institute, and I used the lesson and energy from that bond to be a counselor for 21CL students during the last 2 years. It’s helped me truly make an impact on those younger than me.

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

I believe such programs as 21CL are important because they instill a sense of confidence, new understanding of the professional environment, and it’s a wonderful program that helps to meet and connect with new friends. Without 21CL, I wouldn’t have met so many people I’m still in touch with today, wouldn’t have been as good with networking and professionalism, and now I can help foster those bonds with younger students. My advice to future/current students: Take a deep breath and GO FOR IT! Messing up is okay, nobody is perfect. As long as you try and believe in yourself, you’re good!

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Alumni Spotlight: James Wilson

Anne Gahongayire — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 22:02:23 +0000

35th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight

2020’s Decade
Name: James Wilson
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 2021
High School: Newton High School
College: Georgia State University
Current Role: SGA President & Intern to the Chancellor’s Office, Georgia State University

How has your career unfolded and how did participating in 21CL help prepare you for your next steps going to college, taking on a new leadership role in community/college and after?

My career has taken me from my classroom to the State Capitol and beyond. I have worked for and with our State Government in numerous capacities, and the leadership competencies I learned and developed in 21st Century Leaders set me up for success in my critical thinking, teamwork, public speaking, and networking abilities for sure.

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

The 2019 Turner Voices Youth Media Institute opened my eyes in ways I still can’t describe. I had never been exposed to such a high level of professionalism, business, or leadership. Every day of the institute was a memorable experience, and the friends and connections I made there are still active parts of my life to this day.

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

21st Century Leaders assisted me in developing a leadership style that’s focused on people first, and that’s been the difference between the success and failure of everything I’ve done academically and professionally in college. When people recognize that you genuinely care about them and their ideas and talents, you’ll succeed. I learned that thanks to 21CL and I practice it everyday.

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

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. My advice to current and future students in 21CL is lean in to every experience, every lesson, every event, every program, and every connection that you make through the program. There’s a lesson to be learned in everything, and if you take the time to find and apply it– you’ll thrive.

21st Century Leaders Announces First Ever Leadership Certificate from Goizueta Business School for GA H.S. School Students

Nicole Meadows — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 15:57:46 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

21st CENTURY LEADERS ANNOUNCES FIRST EVER LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE FROM GOIZUETA BUSINESS SCHOOL FOR GEORGIA’S HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Atlanta, GA (December 4, 2024) – 21st Century Leaders (21CL), a non-profit and Georgia’s and premier youth leadership development program, and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School have leveraged their nearly 20-year partnership to present an opportunity for high school students to earn a Leadership Certificate from the business school through a capstone project focused on social enterprise and entrepreneurship. This is the only program through which high school students can obtain this certificate.

Through 21st Century Leaders’ proprietary online learning platform, Leadership Connect, students engage with gamified lessons that they complete at their own pace, earning points and unlocking rewards as they develop their leadership skills in an online community and “level up their leadership.” Leadership Connect’s four levels of content and curriculum, comprising over 170 lessons, focus on foundational leadership competencies; social-emotional learning and diversity, equity and inclusion; life skills including financial literacy and civic engagement; and the capstone of social enterprise and entrepreneurship. Over the past decade, 21CL has been developing Leadership Connect’s content, with the culminating level of curriculum, Level 4: Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Capstone, recently launched in fall 2024 in collaboration with Goizueta.

“At Goizueta, we believe in the power of leadership and innovation to drive positive change. We’re thrilled to extend this experience to high school students through our partnership with 21st Century Leaders,” shares Gareth James, John H. Harland Dean of Goizueta Business School. “This Leadership Certificate focuses on topics such as entrepreneurship and social responsibility, offering young leaders a unique opportunity to develop skills early on that are essential for thriving in the world today. We are excited to see the impact these students will make as they apply what they’ve learned in their communities and beyond.”

In its inaugural year, Level 4: Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Capstone is time-bound and project-based; students complete lessons and submit assignments between monthly meetings with a cohort of peers and Leadership Connect coaches, all of whom are current MBA candidates or graduates of Goizueta. Collaborating with Goizueta faculty and students, 21CL built out this customized social enterprise curriculum through interactive, gamified content and videos recorded by Goizueta professors and MBA graduates/candidates tailored to high school students.

Between now and April 2025, these 21st Century Leaders’ high school students will work with their assigned MBA volunteer coach to develop a social enterprise and business pitch together, which will be presented at the end of the school year. The experience will end with an exciting pitch day in person at Goizueta Business School on April 19, 2025. Those that complete Level 4 also receive a Leadership Certificate that is jointly presented by 21st Century Leaders and Goizueta, an exclusive credential for high school students to have as they pursue post-secondary education and career pathways.

“This is an extremely exciting time not just for 21st Century Leaders as an organization, but also for our students who are receiving an experience and education in entrepreneurship and leadership from an international-ranked MBA program – as high school students!” says Kate Hewitt, Executive Director of 21st Century Leaders. “Our partnership with Goizueta Business School has unlocked potential and opened doors for thousands of students over the last two decades, but this certificate and curriculum has the power to take students to a whole new level of opportunity, success, and careers.”

This year’s cohort includes 28 students from across Georgia – including Berrien, Emanuel, Jefferson, and Harris Counties – and 14 coaches representing Goizueta.

Please join us in congratulating and thanking our 2024-2025 MBA volunteers:

Prashant Patro, MBA Candidate ‘25
Mackenzie Heriford, MBA Candidate ‘26
Jeff Shibata, MBA Candidate ‘26
Taylor Green, MBA ‘21 (21CL Alumna)
Tom Moak, MBA Candidate ‘25
Simran Verma, MBA Candidate ‘26
Delaria Ridley, MBA Candidate ‘25
Benjamin James, MBA Candidate ‘26
David Azu, MBA Candidate ‘25
Harsh Tilwani, MBA Candidate ‘26
Braden Skripak Gordon, MBA Candidate ‘26
James Cochran, MBA Candidate ‘26
Alina Mencias, MBA ‘24 (21CL Board of Directors)
Nathaniel Okyere-Bour, MBA Candidate ‘26

Congratulations to the inaugural Level 4 cohort participants: Shail Avashia, Innovation Academy ‘26; Bella Burroughs, Harris County HS ‘26; Rishi Byakod, South Forsyth HS ‘26; Jerel Clark, Elite Scholars Academy ‘26; Sreepadha Daram, Innovation Academy ‘26; Sreya Donthineni, Innovation Academy ‘27; Carissa Hagood, Richmond Hill HS ‘27; Tessa Hayes, Jefferson County HS ‘27; Josie Herren, Berrien County HS ‘26; Sarah Ikaiddi, Arabia Mountain HS ‘26; Kaelyn Jin-Britt, Innovation Academy ‘26; Niki Karimifard, Northview HS ‘26; Anshuman Khadanga, Evans HS ‘25; Hannah Lang, Georgia Cyber Academy ‘25; Leia Lankford, Woodstock HS ‘25; Fucheng Li, Darlington School ‘26; Muhammed Marrie, Westlake HS ‘25; Ansh Mithani, Innovation Academy ‘26; Lokesh Pampatti, Chapel Hill HS ‘25; Vidhi Raiyani, Putnam County HS ‘26; Yasmin Rios, Swainsboro HS ‘26; Litzy Sanchez, Morrow HS ‘27; Anjika Shah, Lanier HS ‘27; Rhea Shah, GSMST ‘25; Sauyer Stewart, Arabia Mountain HS ‘25; Victoria Szczesny, Johns Creek HS ‘27, Ronak Vyas, Alpharetta HS ‘25; Jace Williams, Westlake HS ‘26.

About 21st Century Leaders

21st Century Leaders is a non-profit organization with a mission to connect, transform, and inspire high school students from across the state of Georgia to leverage and promote diversity and inclusion, explore career opportunities, and become leaders across their schools, communities, and, ultimately, the workforce. Through innovative programs and experiences, we’re equipping and empowering young talent to lead in companies and communities, while fostering a culture of inclusion and service. Visit www.21stcenturyleaders.org to learn more about our transformational programs for high school students across Georgia.

About Goizueta Business School

Business education has been an integral part of Emory University’s identity since 1919. That kind of longevity and significance does not come without a culture built on success and service. Emory University’s Goizueta Business School offers a unique, community-oriented environment paired with the academic prestige and rigor of a major research institution. Goizueta develops business leaders of today and tomorrow with an undergraduate degree program, Full-time MBA (Two-Year MBA & One-Year MBA), Evening MBA, Executive MBA, MS in Business Analytics, Master of Finance, Master in Management, Master in Business for Veterans, Doctoral degree, and a portfolio of non-degree Emory Executive Education courses. Together, the Goizueta community strives to solve the world’s most pressing business problems. The school is named for the late Roberto C. Goizueta, former Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.

For more information, visit goizueta.emory.edu.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mitch Leff

Leff & Associates

mitch@leffassociates.com | 404-861-4769

Nicole Smith

Director of Programs & Communications, 21st Century Leaders

nicole@21stcenturyleaders.org | 404-373-7441

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Alumni Spotlight: Estefi Herrera-Paredes

Anne Gahongayire — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 14:18:29 +0000

35th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight

2010’s Decade
Name: Estefi Herrera-Paredes
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 2016
College: Georgia College and State University
Current Role: Account Strategist, Google

How has your career unfolded and how did participating in 21CL help prepare you for your next steps going to college, taking on a new leadership role in community/college and after?

My career has taken some incredible turns since my time with 21CL. Currently, I’m an Account Strategist at Google in San Francisco, but my journey has also included roles at Warner Bros. Discovery, Morning Brew, and Twitter (X) in New York City.

21st Century Leaders truly opened the first door, and many more have followed. It all started with me attending the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute – currently known as Film & Entertainment Institute, sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery – back in 2015. That experience ignited my networking skills and helped me build valuable connections.

I stayed involved with 21CL as a 21CL Youth Ambassador, further expanding my network. Then, as graduation approached, 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.

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

About halfway through my Turner Voices internship, my manager took me for coffee in the CNN building’s atrium. Looking me straight in the eye, she asked if I was happy. I was stunned. This was a dream internship—why would she even ask?

Confused, I replied, ‘Of course I am, why?’ Her response? ‘You never smile and don’t seem like you want to be here.’

That conversation, almost a decade ago, changed me forever. It wasn’t just about smiling; it was about being human and vulnerable at work. We spend so much time with our colleagues—it’s crucial to be authentic. Don’t dull your light.

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

21CL significantly shaped my leadership style. Its greatest impact was in developing my collaborative skills. Effective leadership hinges on the ability to work well with others. This means truly listening to people, even when you disagree with them.

The program’s constant team-based environment pushed me to compromise and find solutions that benefited both individuals and the group as a whole. This valuable lesson has stayed with me throughout my career.

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

Important is an understatement. These programs are absolutely vital to the youth of [Georgia]. As someone with immigrant parents, my opportunities were once incredibly limited. 21CL opened doors I never knew existed, and I still feel the positive impact today.

My advice to current and future students? Stay hungry. Feed your curiosity, ask questions, push boundaries, and challenge yourselves. That’s how you grow. Take advantage of every resource available—they are precious and not accessible to everyone, so don’t let them go to waste!

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21st Century Leaders Announces 2024-2025 Youth Ambassadors

Nicole Meadows — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:06:40 +0000

21^st Century Leaders Announces Youth Ambassadors for 2024-2025

October 1, 2024 (Atlanta, GA) – Congratulations to our 2024-2025 Youth Ambassadors! 35 diverse 21st Century Leaders’ students have been selected through a competitive application process to represent the interests and voices of the 2,000+ Georgia high school students of 21^st Century Leaders (21CL) who participate in our programs each year. The Youth Ambassador program relaunched last year after a two-year pause; this year in honor of the organization’s 35th anniversary, 21CL is excited for the youth-led impact and innovation to come from this leadership opportunity for our students.

The Youth Ambassadors met together for their first meeting of the 2024-2025 term on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School; they were encouraged by guest speaker Tavari Turner (VP, Youth Development Programs & Grants, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley; 21CL Alumni Board), set their expectations and generated ideas for service and outreach, got headshots from 21CL alumna Charlese Watson (Honeybee Studios), and attended a personal branding panel at 21CL’s Next Exec Leadership Summit, a young professionals summit hosted by our Alumni Board that took place on the same day.

21CL’s Youth Ambassadors are responsible for representing the values and mission of 21st Century Leaders in their schools, communities, and at 21CL events. During their term of service, they will work together to recruit and engage more (and new) 21st Century Leaders and partners across Georgia through outreach, service projects and meaningful opportunities.

The Youth Ambassadors serve as 21CL advocates to empower and inspire other high school students to lead. They represent the distinct ideas, opinions, attitudes, knowledge, and actions of exemplary leaders as a collective body. The Youth Ambassadors will inform and participate in special projects and contribute to live program events, under the guidance of 21CL’s Alumni Board of Directors and staff.

Our 2024-2025 Youth Ambassadors are:

Aditya Arora, Peachtree Ridge High School, Class of 2026
Jenabou Barry, Westlake High School, Class of 2025
Christopher Boyd, Landmark Christian School, Class of 2025
Bella Burroughs, Harris County High School, Class of 2026
Sreepadha Daram, Innovation Academy, Class of 2026
Nife Deju, Lanier High School, Class of 2026
Evan Drinks, Westlake High School, Class of 2025
Afra Haque, Chamblee Charter High School, Class of 2025
Tessa Hayes, Jefferson County High School, Class of 2026
Josie Herren, Berrien County High School, Class of 2026
Alaysia Jones, Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, Class of 2026
Anshuman Khadanga, Lakeside High School (Evans), Class of 2025
Kezia Kotey, DeKalb Early College Academy, Class of 2026
Hannah Lang, Georgia Cyber Academy, Class of 2025
Leia Lankford, Woodstock High School, Class of 2025
Fucheng Li, Darlington School, Class of 2026
Alexis Liu, Denmark High School, Class of 2025
Siri Manekar, Northview High School, Class of 2025
Anoushka Naik, Alpharetta High School, Class of 2025
Jaden Newman, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, Class of 2025
Lokesh Pampatti, Chapel Hill High School, Class of 2025
Vidhi Raiyani, Putnam County High School, Class of 2026
Akhilesh Ravikumar, Johns Creek High School, Class of 2025
Kenneth D. Rice, Providence Christian Academy, Class of 2025
Yasmin Rios, Swainsboro High School, Class of 2026
Abigail Rong, Denmark High School, Class of 2025
Litzy Sanchez, Morrow High School, Class of 2027
Rhea Shah, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, Class of 2025
Aadi Shah, Innovation Academy of Fulton County, Class of 2026
Anjika Shah, Lanier High School, Class of 2025
Thalia Smith, Midtown High School, Class of 2025
Sauyer Stewart, Arabia Mountain High School, Class of 2025
Ronak Vyas, Alpharetta High School, Class of 2025
Michelle Wang, Fulton Science Academy High School, Class of 2025
Olivia Wilson, Turner County High School, Class of 2025

21CL Youth Ambassador Mission: The Youth Ambassadors’ mission is to serve as student ambassadors for 21^st Century Leaders by upholding the organization’s mission and vision through servant-leadership while creating meaningful opportunities for Georgia’s next generation of youth leaders. The Youth Ambassadors strive to bring awareness to 21CL through a united voice, community service and outreach while enhancing our leadership and interpersonal skills. Our goal is to establish a strong foundation that cultivates future generations of leaders who can further expand our accomplishments.

Learn more about 21^st Century Leaders at https://www.21stcenturyleaders.org/

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Nicole Smith
Director of Programs & Communications, 21st Century Leaders
nicole@21stcenturyleaders.org | 404.373.7441

21st Century Leaders Partners with City of Atlanta on Youth Climate Action Fund

Kate Hewitt — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 18:17:47 +0000

FROM THE CITY OF ATLANTA

Mayor Andre Dickens Announces Atlanta’s Youth Climate Action Fund to Activate Young People in Driving Climate Solutions

Post Date:07/11/2024 10:45 AM

Mayor’s Office of Communications

Mayor Andre Dickens Announces Atlanta’s Youth Climate Action Fund
to Activate Young People in Driving Climate Solutions

ATLANTA—With 84 percent of youth around the world reporting that they are worried climate change threatens people and the planet, Mayor Andre Dickens announced the application window is open to apply for Atlanta’s new Youth Climate Action Fund. Launched by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Youth Climate Action Fund will provide technical assistance and funding for 100 mayors to activate tens of thousands of young people ages of 15 – 24 years to design, produce and govern urgent climate solutions in their cities. Atlanta joins the Fund alongside 100 cities from around the world, which together spans 38 countries across six continents, representing over 62 million residents.

“With the launch of Atlanta’s Youth Climate Action Fund, we can empower our city’s young innovators to develop youth-led climate solutions designed for the future,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “Our Administration has made priorities both of investing in our youth and addressing the climate crisis on the local level. Thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies and additional partners, this is an opportunity to foster the next generation of climate leaders while advancing our efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient Atlanta.”

As part of this program, the City of Atlanta received $50,000 to provide microgrants and convening opportunities in support of youth-led climate initiatives. The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience is partnering with 21^st Century Leaders, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that has been delivering youth leadership development programming in Georgia for 35 years, to serve as the fiscal sponsor to award microgrants from $1,000 to $5,000. From mobilizing tree-planting or public education campaigns to launching recycling or waste reduction initiatives, efforts stemming from the Youth Climate Action Fund will help advance Atlanta’s sustainability goals.

Young residents ages 15 – 24 years are encouraged to visit Atlanta’s Youth Climate Action Fund webpage to learn more about the Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, and how to submit ideas for the opportunity to receive funding. Applications close Friday, July 25, 2024.

“There’s no age requirement for leadership and we love that the Mayor’s office is investing in the city with this same mindset.” said Kate Hewitt, Executive Director of 21st Century Leaders. “When youth are provided access and opportunity, incredible things happen. We’re proud to partner with the City of Atlanta’s Youth Climate Action Fund where, together, we will advance young leaders to create real change for their local communities and beyond.”

The program will be delivered by United Cities and Local Governments in partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. C40 Cities and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy will collaborate as learning partners. Cities that respond to the urgency of the moment and commit the initial $50,000 within six months will receive an additional $100,000 to support more youth-driven projects over the course of one year.

Young residents ages 15 – 24 are encouraged to visit Atlanta’s Youth Climate Action Fund webpage to learn more and submit ideas for the opportunity.

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For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta

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21ST CENTURY LEADERS CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF EMPOWERING STUDENTS WITH A $1 MILLION SUSTAINABILITY FUND CAMPAIGN

Kate Hewitt — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 17:33:43 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

21ST CENTURY LEADERS CELEBRATE 35 YEARS OF EMPOWERING STUDENTS WITH A $1 MILLION SUSTAINABILITY FUND CAMPAIGN

Atlanta, GA (June 4, 2024)—21st Century Leaders, Georgia’s premier youth leadership development program, announced its Empowering Our Future: Sustainability Campaign, which aims to raise $1 million to endow its transformative leadership programs with long-term sustainability and impact. This campaign, coinciding with the organization’s 35th anniversary, will not only provide scalable and accessible programs for all high school students across Georgia but also change the trajectory of their lives, empowering them to become the leaders of tomorrow.

“As we celebrate this milestone year for the organization and how we’re impacting today’s youth, we’re also thinking about the next 35 years and how we will inspire and support those students,” says DeRetta Rhodes, Ph.D., Chairperson, 21CL Board of Directors and EVP Chief Culture Officer, Atlanta Braves. “Ensuring our future schools, communities, and places of work are filled with diverse, empathetic, and talented leaders is a cause we should all want to support.”

In 1989, a group of Georgia-based executives observed a growing and critical need to prepare their employees for leadership and promote collaboration across class and racial barriers. To address this, they founded 21st Century Leaders, aiming to build the next generation of leaders by providing young people with training, guidance, and encouragement to enter college and the workforce with highly developed leadership skills.

“For over three and half decades, 21st Century Leaders has empowered and inspired over 18,000 high school students to reach their full potential,” said Kate Hewitt, Executive Director, 21st Century Leaders. “This campaign will ensure we continue to provide accessible programming for all while strategically scaling our leadership development programs for more youth across Georgia to meet the demand of our growing student body.”

The $1 million Sustainability Fund will directly support the annual expansion and enhancement of 21st Century Leaders’ programs. These include:

Fully Funding a Summer Leadership Institute: Providing a transformative week-long residential experience for 75-100 students, free of charge.
Enrolling an Additional 500 Students in Leadership Connect: Expanding access to this cutting-edge, gamified online platform that equips students with essential leadership skills, badging, and certifications.
Launching 10 New School and Community-Based Clubs: Reaching 30% more students with peer-to-peer learning and leadership development opportunities across the state.

Investing in the Future Leaders of Georgia

21st Century Leaders is committed to fostering the next generation of Georgia’s leaders. The Empowering Our Future: Sustainability campaign will ensure long-term stability by investing in staff, programs, and partnerships. It also awards scholarships to graduating seniors. This campaign provides an opportunity for individuals, corporations, and foundations to invest in the future of our state.

How to Get Involved

To learn more about the 21st Century Leaders Sustainability Fund and how individuals, corporations, and foundations can contribute to empowering Georgia’s future leaders, please visit www.21stcenturyleaders.org/endowment or contact Kate Hewitt, Executive Director at kate@21stcenturyleaders.org.

About 21st Century Leaders

21st Century Leaders is a non-profit organization with a mission to connect, transform, and inspire high school students from across the state of Georgia to leverage and promote diversity and inclusion, explore career opportunities, and become leaders across their schools, communities, and, ultimately, the workforce. Through innovative programs and experiences, we cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary for students to thrive in a globalized world. Visit www.21stcenturyleaders.org to learn more about our transformational programs for high school students across Georgia.

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21CL Announces 2024 Georgia Youth Leadership Awardees

Nicole Meadows — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 15:18:53 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

21 Inspiring Georgia High School Students to Be Recognized at the Be the Inspiration Gala

(February 15, 2024) Atlanta, GA – 21st Century Leaders, a Georgia-based nonprofit youth leadership and workforce readiness program for high school students from diverse backgrounds across the state, announces the top 21 youth leaders selected for its annual Georgia Youth Leadership Awards (GYLA). The honorees will be recognized at the nonprofit’s annual fundraising event, the newly renamed Be the Inspiration Gala, presented by Warner Bros. Discovery, to be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Ga.

21st Century Leaders (21CL), in partnership with the event’s corporate sponsors and partners, brings together business and civic leaders to raise support for 21st Century Leaders’ year-round leadership programs while also recognizing 21 of their outstanding high school students throughout Georgia who have made a significant impact on their schools, communities and beyond. The 2024 event also marks the special occasion of 21CL’s 35th Anniversary and shared community impact since 1989.

21CL serves over 1,700 students annually and this year’s 21 awardees – all in high school and all members of 21st Century Leaders – include nonprofit founders, entrepreneurs, content creators, advocates, and volunteers who truly represent the diversity of Georgia with students from DeKalb to Emanuel to Columbia counties. The nominated students exhibit 21CL’s leadership qualities of being service-oriented, forward-thinking, resourceful, passionate and inclusive. The 21 awardees were carefully chosen by a 22-member selection committee of business professionals, 21CL Board of Directors, 21CL corporate volunteers and community leaders, and 21CL alumni and student peers. The full selection committee is listed below and on 21CL’s website.

21st Century Leaders is proud to announce the following 21 outstanding youth leaders for the 2024 Georgia Youth Leadership Awards:

Jordan Adeyemi, Phillips Exeter Academy, Gwinnett County
Aditi Ashok, South Forsyth High School, Forsyth County
Prateek Doddla, Chattahoochee High School, Fulton County
Shiv Garg, Innovation Academy, Fulton County
Joshua Girgis, Montessori School of Rome, Floyd County
Melanie Harper, Marist School, Fulton County
Christian Hooks, Grayson High School, Gwinnett County
Humza Iqbal, Parkview High School, Gwinnett County
Diana Jachman, Midtown High School, Fulton County
Hannah-Lisa Jones, Johnson Ferry Christian Academy, Fulton County
Anshuman Khadanga, Lakeside High School (Evans), Columbia County
Hannah Lang, Georgia Cyber Academy, Walton County
Akanksha Manna, Campbell High School, Cobb County
Maya Matthews, Westlake High School, Fulton County
Olaoluwa Oguneye, Decatur High School, DeKalb County
Abigail Rong, Denmark High School, Forsyth County
Dhahami Salgado, Emanuel County Institute, Emanuel County
Rhea Shah, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology, Gwinnett County
Ishita Sukul, Johns Creek High School, Fulton County
Zarina Wang, Lambert High School, Forsyth County
Ivy Yang, Alpharetta High School, Fulton County

Through corporate sponsors’ support, each youth leader will be presented with a $500 grant at the Be the Inspiration Gala, with one student awarded the Warner Bros. Discovery Student Leadership Award – the event’s top award which includes a $1,000 grant from the presenting sponsor, Warner Bros. Discovery. Students are also paired with coaches who mentor the students throughout the event season. Our Georgia Youth Leadership Award Coaches are recognized and accomplished community leaders and/or members of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 alumni, maintaining a partnership established with the group in 2008 when 21st Century Leaders first launched this event. The student winners and coaches met at a private Meet + Greet luncheon on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Emory’s Goizueta Business School, a sponsor and supporter.

Georgia Youth Leadership Awards Coaches:

The Georgia Youth Leadership Award coaches for the 2024 student winners are Sam Aguilar, Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America*; Monique Bell, Bobby Dodd Institute*; Maranie Brown, BlackRock, 21CL Board of Directors*; Greg Clay, City of Atlanta, 21CL Alumnus*; Whitney Deal Marshall, Whitney Marshall Coaching*; Alex Ebanks, Essence; Chandra Farley, City of Atlanta, Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience*; David Felfoldi, SHERPA Global*; Marty Fleischmann, All Electric Racing Organization (AERO), 21CL Board of Directors*; TreVorski Garrett, Cox; Taylor Green, IBM, 21CL Alumna; JP James, Libreum International, 21CL Board of Directors; Kelly Lee, Atlanta DREAM*; Clarke LeGrande, Cobb Medical Center, Wellstar; Dr. Brandon Morgan, Iconic Orthodontics, 21CL Alumnus*; Christian Murphy, Wellspring Living*; Michael Quigley, QVH Media*; Taunia Nkromo-Stevenson, CNN, Warner Bros. Discovery; Angela Williams, AMBSE*; Thurman Williams, Community Volunteer, Coca-Cola Alumni*; Anqi Zou, Truist, 21CL Board of Directors*

*Coaches who also served on the Selection Committee

Georgia Youth Leadership Awards Selection Committee
All nominations were reviewed by our 22-member GYLA Selection Committee, comprised of 21CL corporate volunteers, 21CL Board of Directors, and 21CL alumni and student peers. Committee members included the coaches indicated above, along with Arjun Chowdri, Hagerty, 21CL Board of Directors; Cam Henson, Citibank, 21CL Alumni Board; Asher Jones, MarketSource, 21CL Alumni Board; Felicia McDade, Engie; Patrick Solomon, The Collective 180, 21CL Advisory Council; Kristopher Williams, Warner Bros. Discovery; and Raveena Ali, 21CL member, Youth Ambassador and 2023 GYLA Student Recipient.

About 21st Century Leaders
Since 1989, 21st Century Leaders has served more than 17,000 diverse high school students from over 250 Georgia high schools. 21st Century Leaders’ mission is to connect, transform, and inspire high school students from diverse backgrounds across the state of Georgia to leverage diversity, explore career opportunities, and become leaders in their school, community, and ultimately the workforce.

21st Century Leaders is celebrating 35 years of inspiring youth to lead in 2024, with an updated website, a refreshed annual fundraising gala, and content throughout the year highlighting success stories of 35 alumni from the past 3.5 decades along with 21CL’s leadership values and competencies, and fundraising campaigns to sustain and expand its ongoing impact.

21st Century Leaders is currently accepting student applications (until March 1st) into their leadership and development program and for their summer leadership institutes for the 2024 summer. The summer leadership institutes are residential one-week programs hosted on a college campus with our corporate partners and business professionals. 21CL accepts rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. For more information about 21st Century Leaders, visit www.21stcenturyleaders.org.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Nicole Meadows
Director of Programs & Communications, 21st Century Leaders
nicole@21stcenturyleaders.org | 404.373.7441