Alumni Spotlight: Jade Bennett

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.