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
2000’s Decade
Name: Samuel Logan
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 2008
High School: Dekalb School of the Arts
College: Valdosta State University
Current Role: Sports & Entertainment Journalist; Flight Attendant, Delta Airlines
Share the Inspiration!
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?
Hello, my name is Samuel Logan and during high school in 2006, I attended 21st Century Leaders’ summer leadership institute, at the time called Leadership Unplugged: a CNN Experience, currently known as Film and Entertainment Institute that’s sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery. As a 21CL student, I learned a lot about networking and lots of other leadership skills. I also learned about journalism and media from CNN and Turner. Using the networking skills acquired during my high school years, I was able to become a very well-respected member of my college student government and my fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. Networking became such a big part of my life, and eventually I created Sammy Socialite, a brand for myself and my media content. A part of my biggest journalism endeavors and accomplishments came from being able to speak and network with people, a skill 21CL taught and helped me perfect through my time as a high school student and during eight summers as a member of the Summer Leadership Team.
Currently, I am a sports and entertainment journalist, creating gripping content. One of my biggest moments this past year was being a multiple-time contributor on NFL fantasy live on NFL Network. I am also a flight attendant for Delta Airlines. My leadership skills have helped me blossom in my new role as a Flight Attendant for Delta Airlines and I take the title with pride. As for the leadership skills I learned from 21CL, hands down, they are unmatched and undoubtedly helped me become the successful man I am today.
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.)
One of my favorite moments was getting to meet Don Lemon in 2013 at a 21CL summer leadership institute. As a blossoming journalist, being able to meet someone I had looked up to for so long was undeniably one of the best times of my life!
Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so, how?
I would call myself an understanding and cooperative leader. 21CL taught me about servant leadership, however I feel as if I took a little of that and added my own flair to it. I will always take pride in the leadership lessons I learned from 21CL.
Why do you believe programs like 21CL are important? And what advice would you give to a current or future student?
My favorite thing about 21CL is the opportunities it creates for the young students to learn, see and experience situations in the industry they want to be in. The experience of meeting Coca-Cola business executives for a student who wants to study business is very empowering! Seeing the NBA on TNT set and getting to walk on set for a student who wants to be a broadcaster or cinematographer is an unbelievable experience. 21CL has been such a major part of my life in multiple aspects and I wouldn’t trade my experience in 2006 for anything. Hands down it is the best youth development program I’ve ever been a part of and the family and network it has provided me over my career is unmatched.
My advice to current and future students is: take full advantage of every 21CL opportunity you can. It’s worth it!
