Alumni Spotlight: Jared D. Howard

Jared. D. Howard is a graduate of Redan High School (2013), of Georgia State University (2017) and currently a graduate student at Belhaven University (2020); he works as Admissions Specialist at Morehouse School of Medicine. Jared describes himself as an actor, dancer, and singer who is making waves throughout the entertainment scene in  Atlanta, Georgia and he says that 21CL inspired him in many ways. He says it transformed him to be more vocal and assertive and helped him realize that one can never stop growing. 

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.
After obtaining my undergraduate degree in Theater performance from Georgia State University, I hit the ground running toward my calling. I work as Admissions Specialist at Morehouse School of Medicine and I spend most evenings and weekends rehearsing, filming, performing or auditioning for various projects. Most recently I was blessed with the opportunity to perform with the Marietta Theatre Company in their rendition of the musical comedy “Altar Boyz” and I am now rehearsing for my second stage musical of the year “HYPE!: The 90’s R&B Musical” with Yash Productions. I am currently featured in a number of independent web series, feature length and short films including “Connect the Series”, “GuyCode ATL”, “Deacon”, “High Stakes Game” and “Miscue”. While competitively dedicating myself to stage and film, I am working on the completion of my first music EP project as well.
How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?
Participating in 21CL transformed me to be a lot more vocal and assertive. During my tenure, I learned that when getting things done you have to present yourself in the most professional and respectful way possible, while also making it clear what your goals are and the plan you expect to execute along the way. My leadership skills were certainly sharpened while attending the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute summer program. I found this program extremely beneficial because it opened my eyes to a lot more diversity. I was able to learn from and interact with a wider range of individuals who were not from my same area, skill set or background which prompted me to understand the minds and mannerisms of those around me.
And how did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?
21CL instilled a work ethic and drive that I learned, during my college years, not a lot of people have. In most cases, it is up to you to get things done and no one will spoon feed you along the way. There may be a plethora of opportunities and resources presented to you along the way, but it is ultimately up to you to take advantage and establish your own branding and relationships. Branding was such an integral part of 21CL in my eyes because they taught us at an early age that what you sell yourself as is what people will perceive, so to always be careful and intentional with the relationships you build and power moves that you make.
Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?
I participated in the WarnerMedia’s Youth Media Institute (formerly Turner’s Leadership Unplugged:CNN Experience) and I served on the Youth Ambassadors for my remaining year in the program. I gained a sense of what I wanted to do with my career. Initially, I had interest in the communications field, a part of me still does, but this program helped me realize that my passion was elsewhere. I gained a better skill of communication and I began to understand the logistics of behind the scenes productions.
What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)
Meeting the on air anchors was the most memorable experience. That is when I realized that an on-camera career is what I was destined for. Watching the various promotional packages displayed during the retreat, Brooke Baldwin was actually the first on-camera talent to bring me to that realization, in the same token, she helped me realize that a career in world news journalism was not my peak of interest.
Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!
21CL helped me realize that you can never stop growing. They allowed me to understand the basics and how to enhance the qualities that I possessed as a leader. I am currently studying to receive a master’s degree in Sports Administration to enhance my leadership skills and broaden my range of knowledge. One key component that I have personally adapted from studying at Belhaven University, is that keeping God first in your decision-making will take you further than you could ever imagine.

Alumni Spotlight: Sydnie Cobb

21CL Alum Sydnie Cobb is a graduate of DeKalb Early College Academy (2018) and currently a student at Harvard University with a concentration in social studies – this summer, she is interning for Georgia Congressman David Scott! Even at a young age, Sydnie has won several leadership awards including 21CL’s Georgia Youth Leadership Award (GYLA) in 2018, and the Girl Scout Gold Award. She shares about the impact 21CL has had on her and a quote that has shaped her leadership role and stuck with her since participating in 21CL:“A leader is comfortable with being uncomfortable.” READ ON

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I graduated from high school in May 2018 and spent my summer interning at CNN, an opportunity that I learned about through my participation with 21st Century Leaders. I am currently at Harvard University with a concentration in social studies and this summer I am interning for Congressman David Scott.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

Prior to 21st Century Leaders, I was a timid student who had not tapped into or realized my leadership potential. After one week at a 21CL leadership institute, I remembered leaving feeling confident and empowered, ready to pursue any leadership opportunities that came my way. The confidence and empowerment I acquired from 21CL led me to represent my school as student body president, become a Georgia Youth Leadership Award winner, and earn my Girl Scout Gold Award.

And how did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

A quote that has stuck with me since participating in Turner Voices Youth Media Institute is, “A leader is comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Whenever I am overcome with apprehension before taking on a new leadership role, I refer back to this quote and remember all the benefits stepping out of my comfort zone has reaped. I am certain that this mindset, along with the other skills I have gained from 21st Century Leaders, will help me evolve into a better leader in college and in my career.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I participated in Turner Voices Youth Media Institute in 2016, served as a Youth Ambassador from 2016-2018, and interned with the Turner Voices program at CNN in summer 2018.  One of the greatest skills I learned from all of these programs is public speaking. From elevator pitches to impromptu speeches, 21st Century Leaders’ programs prepared me for every circumstance of public speaking I will encounter in my professional life.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

My “aha” moment in 21st Century Leaders came as I was working on my Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can receive. My project aimed to provide girls in the Kasungu region of Malawi with sanitary napkins to prevent them from missing school due to their periods. A huge obstacle I had to overcome in this project was the exorbitant cost of shipping items from Georgia to Malawi. Utilizing the contacts I gained through networking with 21st Century Leaders, I was able to contact Patrick Solomon, a 21CL Board of Directors member and former CARE executive, who absorbed the shipping costs associated with my project. This experience showed me the importance of networking and using your resources wisely.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

To me, an important component of being a leader is helping to foster the next generation of leaders. Throughout my time with 21st Century Leaders, I received guidance from both professionals and my peers that ultimately helped me to secure internships, get into the college of my choice, and complete large-scale volunteer projects. Now, as an alumni of the program, I strive to provide the same level of support and encouragement to younger leaders. To whom much is given, from him much is expected.

Alumni Spotlight: Gabrielle Elisabeth

Gabrielle (Benson) Elisabeth, is our first alumni spotlight for July. A graduate of Robert Alexander High School (2010) in Douglas County and of the University of West Georgia (2014). She currently lives in New York City, performing in Beautiful The Carole King Musical as Little Eva/ Shirelle on Broadway and is pursuing a career in the film and television industry. She’s also appeared on the TV show, The Marvelous Mrs.Maisel (season 2 on Amazon Prime). She was recognized and awarded by University of West Georgia with the 30 under 30 award for being on top of her career and she serves with several organizations that help give back to her local community through the arts.

Gabrielle says that 21CL provided her a safe place to learn how to be confident and to present herself in a business environment and opened her eyes to a world of opportunities. 

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

21st Century Leaders helped me gain confidence in myself and helped me learn how to present myself in a business environment. I was a very shy child and having a safe place to learn these skills was an amazing opportunity.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21st Century Leaders helped me see just how big the world is and how there are so many different types of people with an endless amount of skills. This may sound intimidating at first, but it helped me realize how important it is to work hard at your craft and to find what makes YOU stand out.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I attended the summer leadership institute, EarthCare with Georgia Power in summer of 2010. I mainly learned self-confidence and how to conduct myself in business situations.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

A standout moment for me during the program was having dinner with business professionals. Learning proper table etiquette and conversing with people who have already established themselves in their chosen field was important. It showed me that business is just as much social as it is professional.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!
21st Century Leaders definitely taught me the importance of following through, but also the importance of listening. Sometimes the best leaders say the least. It’s not always about getting the glory or being the face of a project. There is so much strength and professionalism in the details.

Alumni Spotlight: Onyekachim Amauwah

Meet Onyekachim Amauwah (PhD.), our second alumni spotlight for June! She is a graduate of Collins Hill High School (2009), of Georgia State University and of Hampton University (2019). Onyekachim says that 21CL gave her skills that made her a leader who leaves room for others to shine! 

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I recently graduated from Hampton University with my doctorate degree in physical therapy.  My life has wholly been that of a full time graduate student, so I’m slowly re-entering “regular” daily life including getting involved in community service activities, looking to moving out of state to begin practicing and finding work/life balance.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

21 Century Leaders helped me refine my thought process on leadership. It’s not about being the most boisterous or only using my plan, but about using a team approach and listening to the ideas of others. It taught me how to work with people from different backgrounds and ethnic groups, while working for the greater good.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

The program helped me feel more confident with my interview process and getting into undergrad. I also used that confidence at work.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

I attended the winter leadership summit almost 10 years ago and I don’t remember a specific ‘aha’ moment but the whole summit was inspirational.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

21CL was a catalyst to my success in leadership roles, something I didn’t realize until much later. Interacting with people from different backgrounds,  preparing and delivering an elevator speech, were some of the important skills I learned. Now that I am preparing to enter my career I am going to put to good use these skills acquired and refined over the years and continue to be a leader that leaves room for others to shine. A leader does not have to be the focal point of a gathering! 

 

Alumni Spotlight: Jacque-Corey Cormier

Jacque-Corey Cormier, Ph.D. is our first alumni spotlight for June 2019! A graduate of Southwest DeKalb High School (2006), Morehouse College (2010, Masters), Georgia Southern (2012), and of Georgia State University (2017, PhD) He currently works as a clinical Assistant Professor at Georgia State University in the School of Public Health. Jacque-Corey also serves on the inaugural 21CL Junior Board and has served as 21CL Summer staff for more than 13 years. He says he serves on the 21CL Junior Board so he can advance the mission of 21st Century Leaders and assist in the development of youth.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

21CL transformed how I thought about leadership and influence.  The person who knows when to ask less talkative people for their input, how to motivate a team towards a common goal, and how to ensure that group members get something out of their contributions has more influence than a person with the title and selfish intentions.

And how did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL prepared me for college and graduate school as I had to take a lot of personal initiative to get research and professional experiences.  From networking to group projects, my academic career was filled with opportunities to lead others.  I have served as president for a couple of student organizations and in other executive roles for others.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

Between the summers of 2003 and 2005, I attended summer leadership institutes at Oglethorpe College, Southern Polytechnic College, and Georgia Southern University.  I became more aware of college settings and a better communicator.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

My senior year (2005) Bob Watson, founding executive director, led an activity where we had to work in groups to build a Lego helicopter.  The one person who saw the final Lego product was not allowed to speak unless someone asked him/her a question.  We did not realize that the non-talker had the most useless information until midway through the activity.  Those who talk less hear more, so never forget to include them in group decisions.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

I completed my Community Psychology Ph.D. dissertation on transformational leadership development, so I could write several pages on leadership styles.  I have learned that transformational leadership, the style of leadership 21CL teaches, is the one most associated with favorable outcomes, i.e. task deliverables, employee satisfaction, and group member engagement.

Alumni Spotlight: Brienne’ Coates

Brienne’ Coates our second alumni spotlight for May is an industrial engineer who works for Home Depot as the IFC Analyst. She is graduate of South Paulding High School (2010),  Spelman College (2015), and Georgia Institute of Technology (2016).  Brienne’ is a member of the inaugural 21st Century Leaders Junior Board of Directors and when asked why she is interested in serving on this board, she says “The 21CL Junior Board is a great initiative and platform to give back to youth in Georgia and share experiences that encourage others to be leaders right where they are. It’s an exciting time to reach out, collaborate, and make a difference today!”

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I wake up to the hustle and bustle of accelerating trucks carrying containers with decorative symbols and bold insignia, often wondering where the freight is going. My current role as logistics analyst in partnership with the world’s largest home improvement retail company allows me to support the operational and inter-modal efficiency of shipping freight across the U.S. to ensure on-time delivery to our stores, and valued customers. Collaborating with vendors, dedicated partners, and on-site teams to reduce transit time, maintain roadway safety practices, and initiate more savings is the objective. Additionally, servicing the DIY customer with home goods and power tools to meet their needs results in success sharing. The logistics of coordinating freight enables exponential growth performance by focusing on improving vendor and carrier relationships with emphasis on engagement, support, and compliance. To my delight, fuzzy logic is the crux of data analytics when it comes to transporting freight.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

Participating in a 21st Century Leaders summer leadership institutes helped open my eyes to the possibilities of leadership. Knowing that leadership skills can be developed and nurtured through a supportive network of peers and experienced professionals is remarkable. When I reflect on my experience with 21CL, I am continuously reminded to take on new leadership roles and engage in the adventure that follows.

And how did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

Discussing leadership challenges and development in a 21CL program prepared me for the next step of taking on leadership roles. In further consideration, it was the guidance, and encouragement from the staff, volunteers and peers which really helped to create a memorable and fun experience that got me excited about becoming a transformational leader in my community. I also gained a better understanding of how leadership spans across networks of people and systems for a bigger purpose. Having toured the facility of a primary electric utility company which supplies power to millions, my perspective was shaped by this experience. It inspired me to customize my leadership journey and maximize opportunities in higher education and professional development.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

I participated in 21CL’s 2009 EarthCare summer leadership institute at Berry College in Rome, GA.  I improved my soft skills and enjoyed interacting with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Interestingly, taking part in a life-sized obstacle course exercise made me realize the importance of team work, momentum and agility in overcoming real-life challenges.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

Being involved in the environmental leadership challenge focused on reducing energy consumption and collaboratively delivering a winning proposal was a memorable ‘aha’ moment. In sharing the journey with other self-motivated individuals, I continue to embrace leadership skills and develop confidence in my ability to communicate and lead others effectively.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

Yes, assisted by the workshops and tours provided by 21st Century Leaders, my leadership style has ­­­been influenced through networking with other student leaders and positive role models. By practicing bridge-building leadership, I am a more effective leader. As a 21CL alumna, I realized that leadership skills learned and activated today creates wisdom for effective leadership tomorrow.

 

Alumni Spotlight: Tessa Szalkowski

Alumna Tessa Szalkowski is our first spotlight for May! A graduate of Henry.W.Grady High School (2016) and currently a junior at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a chemistry major with a minor in marine science and currently works in a laboratory that studies air chemistry in the Galápagos Islands. Tessa says that 21CL gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams and give back to community. Read on about Tessa and don’t forget to fill out the alumni career update form and share about your career progress, connect with other alumni and let us know if you would like to be featured on 21CL alumni blog post.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

In my freshman year of high school, I joined 21CL’s school-based club at Grady, where I began a project to collect children’s books for the Kigali Public Library in Rwanda. 21st Century Leaders helped me expand from a small, local project to a state-wide fundraiser. They organized lectures for me to speak about the Kigali Book Project with students and teachers, developing my public speaking skills.  With 21st Century Leaders’ help, I rounded up over ten thousand books! In 2014, I was awarded their annual Georgia Youth Leadership Award. 21st Century Leaders gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams and dream big.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21st Century Leaders developed my networking skills and taught me how to give back to my community. With 21CL, I participated in many volunteer events at my high school and spoke with adults in the Atlanta business community on a regular basis. 21CL contributed valuable life skills that I continue to use to this very day.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

In 2013, I attended their EarthCare, summer leadership institute. This institute taught me how to talk to professionals, give presentations to business executives, and collaborate with my peers.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

During the EarthCare institute, my team won the Clean Air Campaign challenge. We were given the task to come up with the best school campaign to decrease air pollution. My teammates and I worked hard on the assignment, brainstormed and came up with with a great presentation. When I heard our names called as the winning team, I realized that putting in the time and effort to a noble cause truly pays off. I discovered my true passion for environmental science during this project. I now work as an air chemist in a research lab, so I never gave up on that dream.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

21CL has taught me how to think on my feet and go with my gut instinct. To further promote my Kigali Book Project, 21CL asked me to collect books and make bookmarks with the students at their annual winter training, Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit. Upon arrival, I was asked to share a few words after the Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, Stacey Abrams. (Little did I know she would make a run at Georgia governor!) I was so nervous to address this room of bright students without a speech prepared, but after a gracious introduction, I took the stage and began to speak. Public speaking on the spot was something I would not have dared to do even a few years before. However, 21CL gives you the skills to face your fears with the utmost confidence. I have utilized these public speaking skills and ability to think on my feet as a leader in my academics and research.

Alumni Spotlight: Liesel Stanhope

Liesel Stanhope is our second alumni spotlight for April; a graduate of Chamblee High School (1998), of Duke University (2002), and of American University Washington College of Law (2011). She previously served in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer (Nuke) in Japan for five years and is currently a practicing attorney. Liesel is a member of the inaugural 21st Century Leaders Junior Board of Directors and when asked why she wanted to serve on the Junior Board she says: “I really enjoyed this program and have very fond memories. I met so many people who were different than me and led different lives than me and now (20 years later) I think that this may have been one of the most valuable parts of my education”.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now:
I work remotely as an attorney negotiating contracts between private equity firms. This is an amazing position for me because my husband is in the Navy and not only does this allow me to take my work with me when we move, but it allows me to spend more time with my kids while they are small and have time to spend theirs with me.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?
I have had an unusual career path and looking back I think that the most important thing I gained from 21CL was the awareness that there are different types of leadership styles for different people and for different situations. I went to college on an ROTC scholarship and was commissioned as an officer in the Navy when I graduated. As a division officer on a forward deployed guided missile cruiser, less than a year out of college, I was responsible for the maintenance and deployment of the missiles on the ship. I didn’t fit into the mold of a typical naval officer and my time with 21CL allowed me to confidently forge my own leadership style in this challenging real world environment.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?
(said in an old geezer’s voice) There was only one program when I went to 21CL! (back to my normal voice) In addition to an awareness of different types of leadership styles I really enjoyed meeting a diverse group of kids from across Georgia. I was also always really impressed with the involvement of business leaders in the program. Now that I am a working parent I understand how important time is and the time that the members of Atlanta’s business community put into the program reminds me that it does take a village to raise kids and I try to live up to the standard that those leaders set.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL
I have many fond memories of 21CL, but I can’t think of an aha! moment. I enjoyed every camp that I attended, but it was hard for me to realize the importance of what I learned there until I was faced with my own leadership challenges. I think that this awareness also allowed me to figure out what successful (and not so successful) leaders were doing around me.

Alumni Spotlight: Tavari Turner

Tavari Turner, our first alumni spotlight for April, is the Director of Grants and Special Initiatives at Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattahoochee Valley. Tavari serves on the inaugural 21CL Junior Board of Directors and says that serving there will be a great first step for him to giving back to an organization that provided him a dynamic opportunity to learn new leadership skills and interact with different professionals in the community.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am currently serving as the Director of Grants & Special Initiatives for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley. In this role I support the organization in raising funds via cultivation of public and private foundations who support our programs and services. In this role, I also support the management and compliance of over 1.5 million dollars in federal funds. In addition to my fundraising role, I also support the organization in several special initiatives including our Youth of the Year program which recognizes the Clubs’ shining stars and culminates in a huge awards night and fundraiser.

How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?

Participating in 21CL transformed me because it taught me some very critical leadership skills at an early age. One critical skill was the importance of teamwork when trying to meet a goal. I am sold on the importance of utilizing a team when working toward goals and it has guided me well in the early stages of my career.

And how did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL prepared me for my next steps in college because I was prepared with the Leadership skills needed for college such as collaboration and communication. I learned a lot about myself and my personal leadership style which allowed me to work in a groups and to voice my opinion and not force my opinion.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

21st Century Leaders – Leadership Unplugged 2012 ; I learned a lot about collaboration and communication skill building. I have implemented several of these skills and ideals in my personal and professional life. I continue to be amazed at the growth and opportunities that have come to me because of my involvement in 21CL.

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

The dinner held at CNN was an ‘aha’ moment for me. I was so fascinated with the opportunity to speak with professionals from different industries and discuss how leadership and the skills we learned during the program have played a practical role in their careers. There were many fun and engaging opportunities like this during the program experience.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader, if so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

21CL helped me develop leadership style that has guided me through my career thus far. I have learned to be a servant leader whether leading or being a participant in a project. I understand the true power of collaboration and serving others in a positive manner.

Alumni Spotlight: Akul Munjal

Our second spotlight for the month of March is Akul Munjal, a second year medical student at Medical College of Georgia-Augusta University and graduate of Riverwood International Charter School (2014) and of Georgia Regents University (2017). Akul says that he gained a lot from 21st Century Leaders and he opted to serve on the inaugural Junior Board of Directors for 21st Century Leaders in order to give back.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now. 

Currently I am a second year medical student at the Medical College of Georgia and serve in the inaugural Junior Board of Directors for 21st Century Leaders.

How did participating in 21CL transform you help lead you to where you are now?

If it wasn’t for 21st Century Leaders, I would not be in medical school. I learned how to effectively communicate through 21CL, and 21CL gave me the opportunity to learn about myself and my goals.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

Communication and discipline are two fundamental tenants of 21st Century Leaders.  It takes discipline to complete a 21CL program. It is hard for a high school student to spend a week of summer waking up early and doing academic work. It is also hard to be placed in a new environment, and be forced to make new friendships quickly; in doing so one must become an effective communicator.

Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?

Youth Advisory Board: 2012-2014 (now known as Youth Ambassadors); Emory G5: 2012 (now known as SYLI@Goizueta); EarthCare: 2013; and came back as a Summer Leadership Team member in 2017

What was a memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

When I was at Emory G5 (SYLI@Goizueta), one of the summer leadership institutes, one of the first activities we did was a personality assessment, prior to attending the institute, we all took this online survey, and we got the results of the survey at the institute.  I was deemed a blue “logical mathematical thinker” and a yellow “creative thinker”. We then divided up into groups based off of our results, and we were responsible for communicating a message. I have forgotten what the message was, but I remember that every “group” expressed the message very differently, and at that point I realized how everybody can take a piece of information, and interpret in many ways.

Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so how? And have you recently learned something else about leadership? Please share!

Prior to 21CL, when I was in leadership positions, I was the person that had to do it all, in group projects I ended up doing all the work. However, through 21CL I learned how to delegate more effectively, and I learned how to make people feel more valued in teams.

Why did you want to serve on the Junior Board?

I gained so much from the 21CL experience, I met some of my closest friends, I got to work on interesting projects while on the Youth Advisory Council, and I also developed my leadership and teaching skills while serving as an 21CL summer team member. I think that I would offer a distinct perspective while serving on this board.