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: Taylor Thomas
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 2013
High School: Midtown High School
College: University of Florida/Temple University of Education & Human Development
Current Role: Associate Director of High School Transition, DC PREP
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?
21CL prepared me to navigate diverse environments and work effectively with people from different backgrounds who share common goals and interests. This experience gave me the confidence to go out of state for college—even to a school I had never toured. 21CL was truly a catalyst in my personal and professional development, helping me build networking skills and exposing me to major companies, professional mentors, and more. Continuing to support 21CL as an alum has been just as rewarding and aligns closely with my professional work today as an Associate Director of High School Transition. I currently work for a charter school alumni support program, equipping middle school and early high school students with the tools they need to transition smoothly into high school and beyond. My experience with 21CL showed me firsthand the value of investing in and supporting alumni over the years.
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 memorable moments were definitely the initial team-building activities, where I truly connected with my peers. Developing that organic sense of community and connectedness is something I now prioritize in every space I’m part of.
Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so, how?
21CL was instrumental in shaping my leadership style. It taught me to lead with inquiry, empathy, and a strong sense of humanity, but most importantly, as a team player. My collaborative leadership style is a direct result of working intensively on group projects at 21CL, where teamwork and support led to great outcomes. This experience of collectively working through ideas and challenges continues to inform my work as an Associate Director today.
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 provide access to resources and opportunities students might not otherwise have, while cultivating individual strengths over time. 21CL isn’t a “one-and-done” experience—you can continue building your leadership skills long after camp or a program ends. My advice to students is that it’s never too early to grow your network. Use every opportunity to stay connected: create group chats, organize meetups, and build that community. These connections can become a foundation for your future.
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