35th anniversary – 21st Century Leaders

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: Munzir Ataalsid

Anne Gahongayire — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:07:57 +0000

35th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight

2020’s Decade
Name: Munzir Ataalsid
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 2022
High School: Gwinnet School of Mathematics, Science and Technology
College: Georgia Institute of Technology
Current Role: Aerospace Engineering Student, Georgia Institute of Technology

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?

I joined 21CL back in the summer of 2021 when I was in my filmmaking and video editing phase. I learned a ton and exercised my creativity all the while realizing I appreciate the art of filmmaking but I do not want to make a career out of it. Ever since then I reignited my passion for rockets, a passion and curiosity I’ve had since I was a child. 21CL had an immense impact on my senior year/early college experience. The confidence and lessons I learned helped me build genuine connections and make my senior year fruitful. One specific lesson I took from 21CL was that I’m not alone in having a sort of imposter’s syndrome. A lot of the most powerful leaders we look up to had to figure stuff out as they went. The only thing I can do is make decisions that I believe are the best in the moment based on the information I have available to me. This applied to my public speaking and leadership skills. A specific example of how this lesson truly impacted me was when I needed a volunteering opportunity at a local bird shelter. The shelter wasn’t looking to onboard any volunteers but I was persistent and knew it would be the perfect opportunity to do something I enjoyed while helping the community. I called several times and made myself and my knowledge of how to take care of birds evident. This landed me the volunteering opportunity and I had an amazing time. This is just one of the many examples of how 21CL and the lessons I learned from it benefited me greatly.

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.)

A memorable moment in 21CL I will never forget is when we had Carl Azuz as a special guest and I got to personally ask him a question. I remember Carl Azuz fondly as he was an anchor on a news show for middle and high school students. I remember he came on the zoom call and my peers and I could instantly feel his energy as he was upbeat and spoke clearly. This showed me that you can greatly influence an audience by exuding confidence and great public speaking skills. After he spoke about his experience and life the organizers allotted time to ask questions and I was selected. I asked him for advice about how public speaking has allowed him to move up occupationally. His response further exemplified how important 21CL was in refining my character and its impact on my future.

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

21CL assisted me in learning how to put my group members first; it was far too easy for me to branch off and complete projects and tasks solo. However, putting the group first is critical to the success of any endeavor so learning this greatly improved my leadership skills. This specifically applies to my role in extracurricular clubs I am involved in now. I am on the Georgia Tech Experimental Rocketry team within the propulsion division and organizing people around certain tasks has been made easier with my learnings from 21CL.

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

Programs like 21CL are a gift of knowledge and experience like no other. One gets to meet new people both peers and professionals, exercise their public speaking and leadership skills, as well as be taken out of their comfort zone so they can improve. Programs like these are crucial as it’s difficult to gain the experience and knowledge by yourself or casually going about life. This focused program rapidly improves your skills and puts you ahead in life, socially and occupationally. My advice to a current/future student would be to take advantage of the network and events 21CL presents to you. You get what you put in, so make the most of the experience and push yourself so that you improve and come out a better and sharper person.

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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.

Alumni Spotlight: April Moss

Anne Gahongayire — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 18:06:56 +0000

35th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight

2020’s Decade
Name: April Moss
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 2022
High School: Effingham County High School
College: Wake Forest University
Current Role: Student, Wake Forest University Cheerleader, & Incoming Summer Analyst at J.P. Morgan Private Bank

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 been instrumental in my development from high school to college and continues to influence my approach to my future career. My participation in programs such as SYLI, Healthcare & IT Institute, and EarthCare Summer Leadership Institutes allowed me to explore various industries and establish professional connections in those fields. These experiences gave me the confidence to pivot from the pre-med track to majoring in economics–a decision that aligned more closely with my evolving interests and career aspirations. Additionally, my involvement in 21CL leadership summits such as the Fall Summit- Leadership Exchange, the Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit, and other student experiences including Youth Ambassadors, WarnerMedia Story Coaching Workshops, the 2020 Virtual Town Hall, and Leadership Connect all allowed me to connect with future-oriented, like-minded peers while expressing and discussing relevant topics. These experiences prepared me for college by fostering essential collaboration and communication skills. As a result, I entered Wake Forest University prepared to interact with a diverse group of students; I have worked effectively with my teammates on the Wake Forest University Cheerleading Team, and have excelled academically while maintaining a healthy balance between academics and social life.

One of the most impactful lessons I learned from 21st Century Leaders is that “though I am young, I can still significantly impact my community.” I’ve carried this mindset into my time at Wake Forest by becoming a Resident Advisor, where I support first-year students in their transition to college and work to foster a welcoming and supportive community. I have also participated in service initiatives, including volunteering at my university’s annual “Hit the Bricks” walk/run fundraiser for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund and “Victory Day” which is in collaboration with the Down Syndrome Association of Winston-Salem. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact in my community, both now and in the future.

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 during my involvement with 21CL is at the 2019 EarthCare Summer Leadership Institute. During the institute, I participated in an impromptu speaking competition on environmental topics, which resulted in my group winning the Toastmasters Best Table Topics Award. The following evening, I was asked to deliver the welcome at the Industry Partners Dinner. At the time l did not fully understand where my confidence to speak in front of peers and esteemed professionals came from. However, upon reflection, I realize that winning the Toastmasters award, encouragement from fellow 21CL institute participants, and guidance from 21CL staff, gave me the confidence to step up and embrace that opportunity. These experiences not only shaped my perspective and approach to public speaking, but also transformed my confidence as a leader. Gaining the confidence to speak in front of audiences at 15 years old has since empowered me to embrace new challenges with poise and excitement, both in and beyond public speaking.

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

Yes! 21st Century Leaders was pivotal in shaping my visionary leadership style by encouraging me to set short-term goals aligned with my long-term objectives, emphasizing the value of innovation, and cultivating a mindset that embraces new ideas. Through 21CL’s team building and leadership development exercises, I was able to develop a leadership style that aligned with my natural strengths, while also learning how to effectively communicate and collaborate with individuals who embody different leadership styles.

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 important for youth because they provide high school students with opportunities to explore various careers and industries, develop effective leadership skills, discover their unique leadership style, and improve their professionalism–all essential tools for success as students transition to college and adulthood.

My advice to current and future students is to embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and explore new interests. Be open to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things and you will unlock your full potential.

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: Patrice Johnson

Anne Gahongayire — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 20:59:46 +0000

35th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight

2010’s Decade
Name: Patrice Johnson
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 2014
High School: Northgate High School
College: Spelman College/ Emory University
Current Role: MBA Candidate, Goizueta Business School-Emory University

How has your career unfolded, and how did participating in 21CL help prepare you for college, new leadership roles, and beyond?

Since participating in 21CL, I was admitted into my dream college, Spelman College, where I discovered my passion for Economics. I graduated with a BA in Economics in 2018, and after graduating, I had the privilege of working at Delta Air Lines and Apple Inc. in roles I genuinely enjoyed. Currently, I am pursuing my MBA at Emory University, with plans to transition into Investment Banking post-graduation. 21CL provided me with early exposure to the business world and helped shape my leadership skills. It also emphasized the importance of investing in youth, which is why I’ve consistently dedicated my time to programs that develop the next generation of leaders throughout the matriculation of my career.

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

My most memorable experience with 21CL was a business etiquette dinner where we learned practical skills like taking small bites to stay engaged in conversation and signaling to wait staff when we are finished with a plate. As my career has evolved, I have seen firsthand the importance of networking, and those early lessons on presence and etiquette at business dinners have been invaluable. At the time, I didn’t realize just how crucial these skills would be, but over ten years later, they remain tools I rely on and that have served me well.

Did 21CL help you develop a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so, how?

21CL is very intentional about giving students early opportunities to lead. During one program, I was asked to say the dedication over dinner—a first for me. While it was a small task, the experience felt empowering, and the encouragement I received afterward showed me that leadership doesn’t have to be intimidating. This lesson gave me confidence to step into new leadership roles and taught me to volunteer for opportunities, even if they make me nervous or are unfamiliar.

Why do you believe programs like 21CL are important? What advice would you give to current or future students?

Programs like 21CL are invaluable, and I believe the most valuable assets they offer are visibility and representation. It is much easier for one to believe in their potential when they see people who look like them achieving things they dream of. My advice to current and future 21CL students is to nurture the relationships they build with their cohort—many will go on to achieve incredible things, and those connections will pay dividends throughout their career. And most importantly, always find ways to give back!

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Alumni Spotlight: Mary Grace Feldman

Anne Gahongayire — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:45:09 +0000

35th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight

2010’s Decade
Name: Mary Grace Feldman
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 2018
High School: Colquitt County High School
College: The University of Georgia
Current Role: Digital Media Coordinator, University of Georgia Public Service & Outreach

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?

I credit 21^st Century Leaders for sparking my interest in the communications industry. I grew up in Moultrie, a rural town in southwest Georgia. Many of the careers I saw from day to day were the people I interacted with – teachers, small business owners, government officials and more. One of the roles I did not see was marketing and communications professionals.

Attending the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute in the summer of 2017 was lifechanging for me. Not only did I network with leaders in the journalism field, but I also got to know Turner’s Corporate Social Responsibility team. I had no clue jobs like that even existed. I was excited about the possibility of turning my passion for serving others into a career. This led me to pursue a degree in public relations at the University of Georgia the following year. At UGA, I was immediately hooked on the communications industry.

While at the University of Georgia, I started working as a student for the Archway Partnership, a unit of Public Service and Outreach at UGA. In this role, I was combining my newfound passion for communication with solving locally-identified issues for counties across the state including my own. After graduating with a master’s degree in integrated advertising and public relations, I chose to stay in Public Service and Outreach at UGA as a digital media coordinator. I love knowing that the work I do is helping amplify the work UGA does across the state including in my own hometown.

Without 21CL, I truly believe I never would have pursued a career in public relations or thought of ways to combine a passion for service with a love for digital communication. 21CL led me to pursue internships in my chosen field throughout my senior year in high school and get a head start on gaining valuable professional experience before stepping foot on a college campus. I’m grateful for all the opportunities that came my way thanks to 21CL.

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.)

I think the ‘aha’ moment for me was meeting Carl Azuz at a networking dinner during my summer institute. He hosted CNN Student News, a show we watched daily in school. Meeting someone I saw as a “big name” in news and journalism truly made it click for me how incredible of an opportunity our summer institute was. It challenged me to network and meet all the speakers we crossed paths with throughout the week (and there were A LOT!). It’s amazing the number of opportunities 21CL manages to pack into a single week for the summer institutes, and I am so grateful to be a past participant (and volunteer when I can!).

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

21CL encouraged me to see myself as a leader. As a 17-year-old, I never would have considered myself a leader but 21CL helped me to change my perspective and see that I wasn’t becoming a future leader; I was a leader. This empowered me to pursue new opportunities with confidence. I pursued leadership roles in organizations I was a part of and even spoke up in meetings where I wasn’t the most experienced person in the room. I think this realization came for me through the Georgia Youth Leadership Awards when I received the award in 2018. Seeing the accomplishments of my peers and knowing that someone thought to nominate me for an award changed my mindset of myself and encouraged me to push myself out of my comfort zone as a leader.

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

I think programs like 21CL are important to introduce students to new people and perspectives across the state and beyond. For me, it was introducing me to a career path I never thought possible, but for others, it’s meeting someone who grew up in an entirely different walk of life from them. Every time I go back to a 21CL event as a volunteer, I am amazed at the awesome students who are involved in this program. I think students who participate in programs like 21CL are set up for success in their future education and career paths.

If I could give current or future 21CL students advice, I would encourage them to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. Sign up for the summer institute. Volunteer to introduce a speaker. Find ways to be more involved or step out of your comfort zone. Most importantly, network! The students and professionals you meet in 21CL are key resources for you in the future. Stay connected with them throughout your time in 21CL and beyond.

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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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Alumni Spotlight: Tonia Brown

Anne Gahongayire — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:46:20 +0000

35th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight

2010’s Decade
Name: Tonia Brown
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 2018
High School: Eagle’s Landing High School
College: Mississippi State University/Syracuse University
Current Role: Meteorologist & On Air Personality, WBRC

How has your career unfolded, and how did participating in 21CL help prepare you for your next steps?

I am a professional meteorologist, content creator, and Navy Reserve METOC officer, and my journey in these roles has been significantly shaped by the skills I gained in 21CL. The program taught me the core qualities of leadership—confidence, humility, professionalism, and resilience. Through 21CL, I learned that leadership is not only about guiding others but also about consistently showing up as the best version of myself in any environment. These skills were invaluable as I navigated new leadership roles in college and beyond. As a young leader, I’ve discovered that it is possible to pursue a meaningful career while also nurturing my family and personal passions. Balancing these aspects of life is challenging, but the journey is truly rewarding.

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

My ‘aha’ moment came during the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute, especially while touring CNN. This experience deepened my passion for news and media, which has become central to my career as an on-air meteorologist for WBRC. The program encouraged me to ask questions, express my ideas, and speak confidently in front of an audience—skills crucial in my career. The mentorship and encouragement I received from the 21CL community helped me believe in my potential at a young age and ultimately guided me toward where I am today.

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

Absolutely! 21CL helped me shape a transformative leadership style emphasizing growth, learning, and development. I believe that as leaders, we’re never truly finished learning and growing, and the program taught me to embrace this mindset. My approach as a leader is to encourage others to strive for excellence, knowing that perfection isn’t the goal, but consistent improvement is. This mindset has allowed me to support and inspire those around me, fostering a positive and resilient team culture.

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

Programs like 21CL are crucial because they invest in young people’s development early on, equipping them with skills, confidence, and vision. They encourage young minds to pursue their dreams, however big they may seem, by providing both practical skills and a supportive community. My advice to a current or future student would be to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, ask questions, and never hold back from pursuing what excites you. The journey may be challenging, but these foundational experiences will set you up for success in ways you might not even imagine yet.

Share the inspiration!