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: Anntoniette Walker
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 2010
High School: Heritage High School-Conyers
College: Georgia State University/Mercer University
Current Role: Talent Acquisition Specialist, State Farm
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 graduated from Georgia State University in 2014 with a marketing degree, and my career has been great! During high school, I participated in 21st Century Leaders programs that prepared me and gave me social and professional skills needed to be successful in any room. Some of those takeaways include how to dress for success, how to interview, and even proper etiquette for professional events. The leadership skills I learned have stayed with me up to now, and I have been able to influence others along the way. Now, I am a Talent Acquisition Specialist for the number one insurance company in the nation, State Farm. I am a leader in my employee resource group and continue to be very involved in my community by dedicating my time to extraordinary causes.
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.)
There were so many unforgettable moments during my 21CL program. Hearing from all the presenters stands out to me the most. They were all very transparent about their career path and their professions. Those panel discussions became an “aha” moment for me because I realized there are many ways to achieve success, but to get there you have to try.
Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so, how? 
I describe myself as a servant leader which I believe is as a result of interactions with the volunteers, board members and others who assisted students during my 21CL years. I realized that leadership is all about meeting people where they are, serving them and facilitating them to get to where they want to be.
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 important because they give to students skills and experiences that are not easily accessible. Not all schools have the resources to develop and implement such programs that prepare students for their professional life and to become leaders in their communities. In today’s world, one must be prepared and be competitive every step of the way, whether applying for an internship or their first job.
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