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
2010’s Decade
Name: Simone Maxwell
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 2015
High School: North Cobb High School
College: University of Montevallo
Current Role: Vice President of Data Analytics & Transformation, Citi Commercial 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?
I think so far, my career has unfolded pretty well. I started at Citigroup as an intern and rejoined for their full-time financial analyst program in 2019. Over the last 5 years, I have had the opportunity to rotate throughout Finance on 3 different teams (FP&A, Technology & Innovation, and Controllers). After 4 years in finance, I made a pretty big shift and took a role in Citi’s Commercial Bank. It has been a great learning experience and growth opportunity for me.
Overall, when I think of my career, I have been very blessed with wonderful opportunities for advancement, and development. I am extremely excited to see where this career takes me next.
21st Century Leaders really gave me the foundation. Both my parents worked in corporate and I had a pretty good understanding of what this corporate journey would look like, but it was wonderful to have an organization that really cemented many of these fundamentals. 21CL prepared me when it came to attire, professionalism and corporate presence and it was my first real exposure before I started my internships and college professional programs. Additionally, 21st Century Leaders provided a strong network of people, many of whom I am still friends with today. When I need advice, or simply want to learn more about a new field, I often reach out to them about their experiences.
The experience in 21CL, gave me the boost to take on numerous leadership opportunities in college, collegiate sports, and in my current career. I think through the many conversations, interactions, and introduction to such a diverse group of people, it made me the inquisitive, understanding, and confident leader I am today. Overall, I truly believe I am better due to my experience with 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.)
21st Century Leaders was an extremely rewarding experience, from the really cool industry leaders who came to speak with us, the professional development sessions, to simply just being with new friends on a college campus for a week in the summer.
It has been a while since I was in the program, but I think a random ‘aha’ moment that comes to mind is in one of our development sessions, we discussed making a six-figure salary. We talked about the different career options, and I believe we had past members come to discuss their salary and the ages that they reached six figures. In an age of increased salary transparency, I think that hearing past members be so open about their earnings, made making six figures seem attainable and that of reality. It allowed me to level-set and create realistic goals for my career.
Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so, how?
I don’t know if 21CL helped me develop a specific leadership style, but I know that it contributed to the empathetic, assertive, and confident leader that I am today. Additionally, the various interactions with my class and leaders provided me strong interpersonal skills that have contributed to my career success.
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 wonderful enrichment programs for younger students. In high school, many of us have “ideals” about what we want to do or specialize in at college, however, one needs exposure to help open their mind to other possibilities out there and avenues one can take based off skillset and interests. 21CL did a great job at shaping/creating structure in my young and inquisitive mind!
For me, 21st Century Leaders provided an eye-opening perspective through the networking, panel sessions, speaking engagements, etc. I learned so much and really got a better understanding of what my future could look like. And as a plus, I met many likeminded individuals that have become friends/connections for life.
To a future or current 21st Century student, I would say to speak up, put yourself out there and really live in the experience. This will be something new, but if done fully it can be a truly rewarding experience.
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