Alumni Spotlight: Skylar Nicholson

Our Alumni Spotlight for April 2021 is Skylar Nicholson, a graduate of Central Education Center in Newnan, Coweta County (2017), and of the University of Georgia (2020). She is a multimedia journalist completing her master’s degree at the University of Georgia where she doubles in as a teaching assistant in Communication Law. During high school, Skylar participated in many of 21CL’s programs and was a 2017 Georgia Youth Leadership Award (GYLA) recipient. This summer she will be a Fellow with The Wall Street Journal in New York City! 

“I still cannot believe that 21st Century Leaders facilitated the opportunity for me to intern with CNN on the Morning Express with Robin Meade just after graduating high school! Once I was in college, I realized just how hard it is to get internships with organizations like CNN. It is highly competitive. Not only is it hard to get an internship at such a coveted organization, but it is unheard of to have one at such a young age… I got to shadow with the anchors, learn how to edit, pitch story ideas, and even help plan future shoots. It was not just a passive internship. It was an actively engaging experience where I got critical feedback on my skillset to help me grow as a storyteller and journalist.” -Skylar Nicholson

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am a multimedia journalist, completing my master’s degree at the University of Georgia. I am a graduate teaching assistant working with undergraduate students who are taking communication law courses. This summer, I will be a fellow with the Wall Street Journal in New York City.

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

21st Century Leaders taught me to learn how to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. In my graduate studies, what I am learning is completely outside of my comfort zone and forcing me to dive headfirst into uncharted territory and new research. It is also putting me in a position of leadership among other undergraduate students to help guide them to success in their own individual studies.

Participating in 21st Century Leader also gave me confidence in questioning social norms and established ways of operation. There are new ways to approach industry problems, and how things have always been done may not be the best route to approach problems now. It gave me the ability to look at an issue or goal from a 360° perspective and then choose the best course of actions with not only end results in mind, but how the goal is achieved with success in terms of teamwork relations, new technology, and how this individual project plays into the grander scheme of operations. Immediate success is not always the best thing; continued perpetual growth is the most important.

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?

I feel very fortunate to have been involved with 21st Century Leaders since my sophomore year of high school. 21st Century Leaders gave me the professional skills to have a jumpstart in my career field. It gave me mentors that I am still connected with to this day. It also gave me friendships that I value and would not have established without the summer camps. I met one of my best friends, Willie Daniely (we were interns on the Morning Express together), through this program and we still support each other every step of the way as we pursue our individual careers in the same industry.

In addition, I still cannot believe that 21st Century Leaders facilitated the opportunity for me to intern with CNN on the Morning Express with Robin Meade, just after graduating high school. Once I was in college, I realized just how hard it is to get internships with organizations like CNN. It is highly competitive. Not only is it hard to get an internship at such a coveted organization, but it is unheard of to have one at such a young age. Not only were they able to establish this incredible opportunity, but they made it very individual to my particular interests. I was able to work on a morning show and report to work every morning at 4 am. I got to shadow with the anchors, learn how to edit, pitch story ideas, and even help plan future shoots. It was not just a passive internship. It was an actively engaging experience where I got critical feedback on my skillset to help me grow as a storyteller and journalist.

Completing this internship gave me some credibility on my resume and helped me secure future internships. In all of my future internships and fellowships, I was the first person in that role. 21st Century Leaders taught me to pave the way for new opportunities and to ask, “What might else be out there?” I completed an internship with Newsy (Scripps) in Washington, D.C., covering Capitol Hill’s politics. During my time, I got to report daily packages, cover congressional hearings, and even got to ask a question to the president in a White House press conference. It gave me confidence in my skill set and to take charge of new opportunities.

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

Public speaking skills, interview skills, and proper business etiquette were some of my favorite skillsets to learn more about.

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.?)

Getting to shadow Robin Meade and working with the production team was an eye-opening experience. It was my first opportunity to really get to see how a newsroom operates and look into what a future career in this industry might be like one day. The team that I worked with was candid with me and provided honest insight into how to start a career with a trajectory for success. I saw female leadership at HLN. This was something that was really inspiring and exciting for me to watch. There was a diverse team, where women and different ethnicities all have an equal voice in the conversation. Everyone had access to share their opinions and feedback was openly accepted. I did a project where I interviewed different anchors, producers, and show staff on how they got to where they were in their careers. Hearing their individual stories was inspiring. Watch her video about interning after high school at HLN.

 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?

21st Century Leaders taught me the importance of listening. Truly being present, hearing the people around you, and then choosing how to react. There are many different types of leadership, and it is essential to find what your individual strengths are that make you unique. With my new role as a graduate teaching assistant, I have learned the power of having empathy. Especially in the times of COVID-19, where everyone is dealing with new working conditions and unique external stress, it is vital to approach every situation with compassion and understanding. People are human first, outside of the specific tasks that they complete for a job.

I have gone on to complete additional leadership courses and trainings at the University of Georgia. I was a Levin Leader in 2019 for the Cox Institute. Leadership is something that I want to actively pursue and gain new skills in. No one is born a leader, everyone has an equal chance to become one and step into that position of power, and it is up to us to individually pour the time into enhancing our skillsets, so we are ready when the time arrives.

In the wake of the tornado damage (March 2021) that hit her home city of Newnan, Skylar produced a series of stories highlighting the strength of residents and community recovery. 

View some of Skylar’s other productions and multimedia projects online:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxfLitrEdCU&t=1s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2ecBbjTaEQ&t=33s

Alumni Spotlight: Jalen Q. Polk

Alumnus Jalen Polk is currently a fourth-year Economics major at University of Georgia (UGA) and is a graduate of Woodward Academy (2017).  During his high school years he participated in many of 21CL’s programs, and now gives back, recently serving on our summer leadership team as a staff member and alumni mentor for the summer leadership institutes in 2019 and 2020.

Jalen most recently received the UGA President’s 2021 Fulfulling the Dream Award at their annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Breakfast. The award recognizes individuals dedicated to making significant contributions to race relations, justice and human rights.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am currently a senior pursuing an Economics major at UGA. It is exciting, particularly due to the electives which I am enrolled in plus the opportunity to conduct research which has been a desire of mine since entering college. I am heavily involved on campus as it is a passion for me to give back to the spaces which uplifted me when I first stepped foot on this campus. I am the President of the Black Male Leadership Society currently on campus seeking to foster a sense of unity, strength, and love amongst black males on campus and throughout Athens.

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

I participated in 21st Century Leaders, and every step was uncomfortable. However, I gained confidence, insight, encouragement, and connections which have served as a solid foundation as I matriculated throughout high school and into college. It has transformed into a premiere opportunity for me to give back and truly examine my leadership capabilities. 21st Century Leaders is extremely service-oriented and intentional, so both mentors, speakers, and students are celebrating in a space of learning, growth, and diversity.

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 exposed me to a new friend circle who demonstrated to me the importance of being coachable and giving one’s very best! My experience within 21st Century Leaders was enhanced with the real world challenges we solved, and these simulations required teamwork and effective communication. 21CL prepared me today because I grew out of my shell by trying new risks and I also realized my creative capabilities.

Jalen pictured in the blue shirt as a student attending SYLI@Goizueta in 2016.

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

I participated in the SYLI@Goizueta in 2016 and in the school-year leadership summits in 2016 and 2017. I also served as a Youth Ambassador during my senior year. These programs helped me improve in my openness as there were others who genuinely wanted to learn from me and share more about themselves. The relationships which formed at this organization are going strong until today! I am forever grateful.

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 memorable moment in 21CL was when I was working on a project, and I was incredibly nervous to mention my idea. However, my team was more than receptive and they took my idea, ran with it, and added to it. I was impressed with our end result and amazed by how we all played a team effort. My investment was necessary no matter how many times I counted myself out in my own head!

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!

Leadership is not about me, but it is sincerely about leading others. Leadership is not consuming a position or working in any interest separate of the followers who look up to that person in leadership. Leadership will always be based on action, and I believe there should be a desire to lead others.

Alumni Spotlight: Ousman Sahko Sow

Our first Alumni Spotlight for this year is Ousman Sahko Sow, who was a member of our 21Club at Langston Hughes High School back in 2010 and participated in 21CL programs throughout high school, including “Leadership Unplugged: a CNN Experience” which is now known as the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders. Ousman is the co-founder of Blacktag that is dedicated to helping Black creators have a platform to explore their creativity and be connected with world-class brands.

“The best tool I took from 21CL was the ability to break the ice and engage with anyone. Without all the activities we regularly participated in, which all focused on people and engagement, I would not be the conversationalist I am today which is one of the best foundational skills you can have as an entrepreneur.” – Ousman Sahko Sow

Paint a brief picture of what you’re doing now.

I am the co-founder of a media and technology platform called Blacktag. It is a creator driven platform, specifically for alternative Black creators. You can think of it as a hybrid of Netflix and YouTube, combining original studio content with user generated content in a dedicated home for underserved Black audiences.

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

In high school, I had never really seen or heard of anything that empowered young individuals who were interested in entrepreneurship. I had always been interested in starting my own business and was an overachiever from a young age, so being around like-minded individuals made me feel inspired. One of the most transformative aspects for me was realizing a different career path, one that was different from the traditional ones of medicine or law, and that was a viable and realistic option for me. Recognizing this gave me the ability and a lot of confidence to go into the entertainment space where I could build something extraordinary.

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 specifically by helping me have an experience at CNN and land an internship there while still in high school! During the summer leadership institute they brought in leaders from CNN to talk to us, and they provided insights into what life is actually like in their career field. I had always been interested in TV so meeting folks in that industry and offering their thoughts really prepared me to seriously consider that industry for my career. One of the things I noticed was the excitement these folks had for their career, showing me that it’s possible to do what you love as an adult. The best tool I took from 21CL was the ability to break the ice and engage with anyone. Without all the activities we regularly participated in, which all focused on people and engagement, I would not be the conversationalist I am today which is one of the best foundational skills you can have as an entrepreneur.

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

In 2010, I had the opportunity to participate in Leadership Unplugged: a CNN experience, and also had an internship with CNN coordinated through 21CL. While I learned a great deal of skills along the way, the experience itself offered me a lot of insight for my career. I was able to witness and immerse myself into the entertainment industry with folks just like me. It may not sound significant, but this was the first time I really saw myself in an entertainment based career and had the confidence to do so because of my time as an intern.

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 remember we had a 21CL dance off; all the groups got together and no one cared if you messed up or looked funny, it was just meant to be a fun time. I was pretty shy at the time so to participate in something out of my comfort zone pushed me to open up and in turn I gained a lot of confidence.

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 remember Bob, who was the Executive Director at the time; very charming, charismatic, always himself, and incredibly passionate about learning. He always made it a priority to get to know everyone in the program and recognize each participant for their abilities and achievements. Bob’s leadership style had a huge impact on me because I got to experience firsthand the impact of a leader who was constantly engaged and that’s ultimately the style I bring to my team.

Alumni Spotlight: Justin Toliver

21CL Alumnus Justin Toliver works as Account Executive for NBCUniversal Media, Inc. and is a graduate of Woodstock High School (2011) and of Rhodes College (2015).  During his high school years he served as a member of 21CL’s Youth Advisory Board, currently known as the Youth Ambassadors. In this post Justin shares how 21CL assisted him in developing a personal brand and taught him to be accountable for any project or activity that he is associated with.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

Currently I work in the media industry as Account Executive for NBCUniversal Media, Inc. and my day-to-day work revolves around providing my clients with collaborative ideas, fresh perspectives and out-of-the-box strategies to access untapped demographics within their prospective markets. Forging sound personal relationships for our sales division is paramount in supporting our business model, team goals and creating a new generation of NBCUniversal fan ambassadors.

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

My mother ensured that my flame for success was ignited at an early age and 21st Century Leaders was quintessential in helping realize my potential to be a professional in my current field. I was introduced to the 21CL program in the summer of 2010 as a high school junior and it was a very impactful experience. I was afforded the opportunity to stay on the Georgia Tech campus for one full week and undoubtedly the experience was paramount in solidifying my desire to attend a four-year college and contribute more to society. In addition to this, my interest in the broadcast and media industry was unveiled during that week. I was so engaged and positively impacted that Mr. Robert Watson, 21CL’s Executive Director at the time, approached me about serving on 21st Century Youth Advisory Board; two months later I applied and was nominated.

Participation on this Board put me at another level – my business acumen and decorum was expanded, my personal brand shaped and I garnered some lifelong friendships with peers who, similar to me, were in search of professional direction. From then on I became an asset to my high school and took on many other leadership roles including Jr. Achievement Student Ambassador, Georgia Department of Education – Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council Member, Woodstock Wolverines Varsity Football Captain, People to People International Delegate, Woodstock Mayoral Youth Council member and an H. Hugh Shelton Leadership Academy Peer Counselor. My time with 21CL undoubtedly positioned me to continue my journey with a level of confidence that can only be earned and not given.

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?

My participation in the 2010 summer leadership institute and serving on the 21CL Youth Advisory Board was the perfect launchpad to my collegiate career, which indeed gave me an advantage in my community involvement and positioned me for continued success. During my college years, I served in various roles:

  • Senator, Rhodes Student Government
  • Admissions Recruitment Panelist
  • NCAA – National SAAC Representative Committee Appointment: Sportsmanship & Ethical Conduct
  • Athlete, National Football Federation College Hall of Fame Scholar

When I joined NBCUniversal in 2014, my schedule was so full with learning the business that I fulfilled all of my volunteer experience in-house. I was involved in some of NBC’s Corporate Responsibility initiatives like Comcast Cares Day, the Mazda Drive for Good initiative, and Clear the Shelters. The most impactful community leadership role I’ve held at the company is being a facilitator for the Special Olympics. During this event, unconditional love took on a new meaning for me from individuals who were just elated to be recognized, celebrated and supported in their competitions. That’s it! No judgement, favoritism, discrimination existed. Everyone from the athletes, partners, parents, sponsors, NBC employees, etc., was a winner!

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

I participated in Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience (now the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders) in 2010. It was a very impactful experience for me as a high school junior. The skill most utilized for me coming out of Leadership Unplugged was the realization that leadership comes down to relationships. Understanding how to be a reliable teammate and listen to the ideas of your peers should always supersede the need to be the “voice of the group.” In my opinion, leadership is 10% what you say and 90% what you do. 21CL taught me this at an early age and it is something that has served me well both within my company as well as externally with our clients.

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 vividly remember the interactive team building exercises, fundamentals of storytelling, meeting influential leaders of Time Warner and our daily “Sharpening the Saw” round tables. At that moment, I was convinced that I wanted to be on a college campus that would sharpen my talents, skills and abilities, so I too one day could also be a role model for younger people as those volunteers were to me at that critical decision-making time in my life.

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 assisted me in developing a personal brand that I am proud to stand by. The program taught me to be 100% accountable for any project or activity that my name is associated with. This is particularly important when you may not have been the individual to commit the mistake. At the end of the day, no client or person in general wants to hear about why the objective is not getting accomplished. Instead, 21CL taught me to endeavor through the clutter, to think outside of the box, and provide an end result that both under promised and overdelivered.

Alumni Spotlight: Morgan Lynn Phelps

This month our Alumni Spotlight is Morgan Phelps, a graduate of Ola High School (2014) and of Georgia College & State University (2018); she currently works as Marketing and Sales Specialist for Acuity Brands, Inc. In this post, Morgan shares how 21st Century Leaders programs such as Warner Media Institute for Future Leaders played a major role in shaping her career journey! She served as a mentor and alumni roundtable speaker for 21CL’s virtual 2020 Summer Leadership Institutes.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

Currently residing in the Bay Area as Acuity Brands’ Marketing & Sales Specialist for Acuity’s technology group, I am responsible for driving revenue, executing [outbound and inbound] marketing and sales campaigns, and leading trade shows and networking events. One of our technology brands is BuildingOS. BuildingOS is a SaaS-based platform, modern energy management system measuring, visualizing and reporting energy consumption within buildings. Buildings emit over 30% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Our goal is to reduce energy consumption and emissions within buildings where our clients did not know it was possible by visualizing this data in real-time. In my career thus far, I have organized over 20 trade shows & events, hold a position on the BOMA (Building Owners & Managers Association of San Francisco) Events Committee Board, was a speaker at AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) in 2019, am a podcast host and received certification in Sustainable Business Strategy from Harvard Business School. Most recently I have launched a networking group called Women in Sustainability, creating an environment for like-minded women in the Bay Area to come together to share successes, ideas, initiatives and grow a community. My passion is in sustainability and making the world a better place and my role now allows me to share that passion.

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

Participating in 21st Century Leaders helped me gain the confidence and professionalism I needed to pursue the career I have now. From conversational skills to industry knowledge, 21CL helped shape the employee, leader and young professional that I am today. After my summer at 21CL in the Leadership Unplugged Program (WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders), I became my high school’s lead news anchor and senior class president- something I would not have had the confidence to do if I was not a part of 21CL. After high school, I stayed in contact with many of my fellow 21CL peers while we all attended different universities. Being emerged with other students that share the same interests and desire a similar career path as you help you build a network that you will have forever. After I received by BA in Rhetoric and minor in Geography from Georgia College & State University, I moved to San Francisco to begin my career and took my 21CL skillset with me.

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?

Being a part of 21st Century Leaders helped me in my next steps as a young professional in multiple ways. One being the significance of networking. The idea of networking and its importance was not taught to me until I became a part of 21CL. While in workshops as a young leader, the 21CL team showed us how to professionally and correctly network and shared the effectiveness of connecting with people in the long term. Networking helped me get the job I have now and has allowed me to grow my personal brand as well. Another valuable tool 21CL taught me as a young professional was how to speak publicly and professionally. As a junior high school student, I was not exposed to public speaking thus far in my education. As I practiced my public speaking in 21CL, I learned not only how to public speak professionally but three years later chose Rhetoric (the art of persuasion and public speaking) as my major in college. In my career now, I use public speaking every single day whether it be in meetings, speaking to customers and prospects or presenting to groups of students.

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

I was a part of the Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience in 2013, which is now known as the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders. As I learned more about the media industry, visited CNN, spoke with media professionals, and practiced working in the media field, I knew I wanted to do something similar for my career. During that program, I learned that the information given to the public and how it is broadcasted is so important. Media has a huge influence on the world and as leaders, we need to relay messages truthfully, professionally and helpfully. Now working in technology, I use this mentality when reaching out to prospects and speaking with customers. Being able to communicate effectively and professionally is a skill everyone should have in the workforce and 21CL helped me learn this as a young professional.

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.?

One of my favorite moments as a 21CL student was having dinner at the Omni Hotel at the CNN Center in Atlanta while we heard a panel speak and the students ask questions. This panel was the big event of the week and the speakers had big titles like President, VP, CEO, etc. They were very nice, spoke wonderfully and gave great insights into being a successful leader. A lot of the questions they were being asked were around their day-to-day roles and although I was nervous, I decided to ask a very different question. I asked “If you were to tell your high school self you would be in this job today, would you have believed yourself?” Every single one of them answered no. At that moment, as a high school student who had no idea what she wanted to be or even what path she should take for her career, I was happy and relieved to learn that those successful professionals did not know either when they were my age. My aha moment was when I realized that it is ok not to know what your career will be right now, but that if you work hard enough along the way, network and are open to new opportunities, your passion and career will find you.

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!

Absolutely, 21CL helped me in developing a leadership style that makes me an effective leader today. My primary leadership style is inclusion. That is because when I was a 21CL young professional, our mentors asked every single student in the room their opinion and gave every student an opportunity to speak. As a leader, it is crucial to include everyone. This is because every single person has different experiences, histories and passions. So making your team as diverse and inclusive as possible gives you a benefit because you can learn something you did not know before and it can help your team succeed. As a 21st Century Leader I have learned the importance of including diverse people in your group, giving everyone a chance to speak, and always making other people feel welcomed. Being a leader is not success, money or fame. Being a leader is helping people around you succeed and being a positive influence to others. 21CL has helped me be a positive, influential and inclusive leader.

Alumni Spotlight: Kalin Tate

Our second alumni spotlight for October 2020 is Kalin Desiraye Tate, a graduate of Shaw High School (2014) in Columbus, GA and of Spelman College (2018). She currently works as a Marketing Coordinator for Civic Entertainment Group, a Seacrest Global Company in New York City. During high school, Kalin served on the 21CL Youth Advisory Board, which has evolved into the 21CL Youth Ambassadors, and has recently been nominated to serve as a member of 21CL Junior Board of Directors. “21CL put me in touch with people who would eventually change my life.” – Kalin Tate

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am a Marketing Coordinator for Civic Entertainment Group, A Seacrest Global Company in New York City. I work with various Entertainment Brands such as HBO, Lifetime and Audible to execute above and beyond Marketing Campaigns through brand partnerships and Real-Life Experiences.            

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

Attending Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience, catapulted my interest in all things media. During my time at Spelman College, I interned for CNN in Creative Marketing, for Bleacher Report and for Turner Sports which are all sister organizations. It was truly amazing to see it all come full circle! While at Leadership Unplugged I met one of the executives in the CNN Sports department, and I reached out to him to tell him thank you for his time. He connected me with one of his colleagues, who went on to eventually write my recommendation letter for college.  21CL put me in touch with people who would eventually change my life.

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 taught me the importance of networking and valuing every connection I have made. My college roommate and I met at Leadership Unplugged, we stayed in contact, and even received the same scholarship to Spelman! Maintaining that connection turned into a Sisterhood for a lifetime. During my time at Spelman, I was crowned Miss Morehouse College where I eventually ran an event on maintaining professionalism and proper interview attire. All thanks to 21CL, I had the confidence and knowledge to believe in myself and that put me in the right rooms for the greatest opportunities.

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

I participated in Leadership Unplugged, the WarnerMedia-sponsored summer leadership institute now known as the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders, in 2012 and served on the Youth Advisory Board for the 2012-2013 term (now known as Youth Ambassadors). Being on the Youth Ambassadors taught me about collaboration and working with many different personalities to execute a project. YA alone taught me about leadership especially by just being a member. Leadership doesn’t always mean being the President or VP of a club, but it means embodying and setting an example everywhere you go.

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.?

At the Leadership Unplugged final presentations, I realized that I enjoyed presenting with a team in front of clients and peers. All the jobs I pursued in Marketing were client facing roles so I could present to high-end clients. Luckily, it’s what I get to do now everyday!

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 met so many different personalities during 21CL; it taught me that as a leader I needed to love and accept everyone as they are. Each of us brings something unique to the table and has a different prospective that helps ensure EVERYONE is represented. When I am looking for new colleagues on a project, I think of what can they bring to the table? How do they work with others? Working with many different types of people at 21CL showed me how important it was to appreciate all of the diverse backgrounds, and it is okay to disagree because it may lead to an even better idea overall!

Alumni Spotlight: Brianna Sims

Our first alumni spotlight for October 2020 is Brianna Nicole Sims, a graduate of Dutchtown High School (2014) and of Howard University (2018); she currently works as National Sales Coordinator at Urban One Atlanta. Brianna says that 21CL gave her a foundation of what leadership really is and taught her what it means to be successful!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

After graduating from high school I attended Howard University and graduated in 2018 with a communications/public relations degree. After graduation I moved back to Atlanta and I currently work at Urban One Atlanta as a national sales coordinator. Through this role I’ve worked in ad sales and helped coordinate several events for the Atlanta urban community that have garnered thousands of attendees.

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

21st Century Leaders introduced me to the field that I am now in and connected me with industry leaders as well as peers and colleagues that I still keep up with years later.

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 both college and life after by teaching me how to network, cultivate professional relationships, and go after what I want. I learned the foundation of what leadership really is and learned a new outlook on what it means to be successful.

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

I participated in G5, now known as the Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI), at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School back in 2011 as a freshman in high school. This program was my first experience with networking with industry professionals who offered advice that has remained with me for the past 9 years. I also attended Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience (now the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders) in 2012 which helped me land a project management internship with Turner Broadcasting while in college and introduced me to peers that I still keep in contact with today.

 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.?)

One memorable moment for me was being able to network with professionals at CNN and hearing the ins, out, positives, and negatives of the field that they chose. That was the moment I realized I wanted to work in the communications/marketing field.

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 taught me that there is no one definition of what leadership is. I’ve learned that there are many ways to lead successfully and it starts by believing in your own abilities and understanding that your perspective, your background, and what makes you different brings something new and special to every table that you sit at.

What We Learned from the 2020 Pivot

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By: Nicole Meadows, Director of Programs and Communications

In a year of resets and restrictions, altered responsibilities and edited goals, obscured pathways and “to be determined” plans, it has been necessary to befriend resiliency. To embrace relevancy. To brace for impact. It turns out our impact was notable: the launch of a new summer leadership institute exploring the healthcare and IT workforce, provision for 284 high school students to attend one of four one-week summer programs and enroll in our online learning program Leadership Connect for the rest of the academic year at no cost to them, and leadership development and career exploration resulting in increased confidence and inspiration to take action and create change. Here’s what we learned by adapting 30 years of hands-on residential summer programming into a virtual space with 210 volunteers and a core mission to inspire youth to lead.

Leverage Diversity and Think Forward. 21st Century Leaders (21CL) has always been forward-thinking. Founded in 1989 by business professionals who saw a gap in the readiness and diversity of leaders within the workforce, 21CL’s mission to connect, transform, and inspire high school students across Georgia to leverage-diversity, explore career opportunities, and become leaders in their schools, communities, and ultimately the workforce is just as relevant in 2020 as it was over 30 years ago. Add to the mix the disruption of a global pandemic and the momentum of social justice response and it becomes necessary to embrace the notion that “Everyone can be a leader. You don’t have to be a certain gender, race, or nationality to be a leader,” as Jordan Tyler, senior at Georgia Connections Academy encourages. Connect young leaders to people of influence with whom they can relate, and connect them with those who are different – both will expand their perspective, encourage their potential, and motivate them to lead at any age and learn at every age.

Compassionate leadership is needed now more than ever. “I felt that the volunteers were concerned about us. They seriously empathized with the craziness of being a teenager in today’s world, and did not discount it. This is something missing in schools and many teens’ lives, so it was a breath of fresh air to see their compassion shine through,” says Morgan Byers, a rising junior at East Jackson Comprehensive High School, who attended our inaugural Healthcare & IT Institute (HII). Over the summer, volunteers led sessions covering change management, emotional intelligence, mental wellness and crisis leadership. Panel speakers like superintendents spoke of the challenges faced by virtual learning, such as providing community access to WiFi to ensure all students can continue learning. Corporate leaders spoke of their intentional response to Black Lives Matter and decisions to publicize their stance as a company because it is a responsibility of their influence and their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Among the turbulence and questions of this year’s unique climate, the answer and anchor is compassion.

Vulnerability builds trust. No man is an island, but it can seem that way if the mindset is independence. Just as we highlight teambuilding skills and the leadership value of leveraging diversity, we strive to promote authenticity. Honesty resonates with this young generation of leaders. Especially now when expectations of success are deconstructed and reconfigured. With our students, they specifically appreciated the candor of successful professionals who spoke about their obstacles and their failures. Madison Billings, senior at Westlake High School who attended the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders, said about the transparency of the volunteer speakers that she “liked how open and honest they were. They didn’t sugarcoat anything and say everything was perfect. They told us what it was really like, the mental, physical and emotional aspect of their jobs.” It is humanizing. It says that we’re all in this together, doing the best we can. It gives permission to try and possibly (probably) fail and from that gift develop resilience.

Take the Risk. When schools switched to distance learning, and the college campuses that host our summer leadership institutes closed, and gatherings were postponed, we had a choice to make about our path forward. We determined to make order out of chaos. We knew it was important to be there for our students, and thankfully in the age of technology had the platform to do so, enabled by the support and involvement of our corporate partners, individual donors, foundations and Board. As Sarah Sims, rising senior at Chattahoochee County High School, says, “You have to be willing to take the risk and realize it is not about you. It is about what you can give to the community.” We were able to give inspiration, connection, and hope for the future to our state-wide community of students, and know they will in turn give to their own communities as leaders.

As we reflect on our impact of our 2020 summer leadership institutes, we look at the students who represent 21st Century Leaders. They chose to show up every day and give their best to the situation. They connected with each other through the screen and closed the distance with kindness to each other. They asked insightful questions, they solved problems, they articulated their experience and they face the future with confidence, knowing they are capable and equipped, and they are not on their own. Carley Cook, a senior at The Paideia School, says that “Leadership is not just based off of the leader but also the people being led.” If our students are any indication, we’ve done something to be proud of.

Learn more about 21st Century Leaders’ pivot, impact and future outlook in the 2020 Stakeholder Address, presented by 21CL’s Executive Director, Kate Hewitt, and Board Chair, Matt Johnson.

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Alumni Spotlight: JoDeanah Noble

The second Alumni Spotlight for September 2020 is JoDeanah Noble, a graduate of Henry W. Grady High School (2009), of the University of West Georgia and of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) (2014). JoDeanah is a seamstress for television and film and she owns an apparel company that specializes in women’s and children’s clothing and men’s accessories. She volunteered at SCAD Day this year to speak about her creative career journey.  

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

Currently, in the midst of the pandemic, I’ve spent a lot of my time working on my business, Jo David Design Studio, which luckily is an apparel company so I have been able to stay busy. I specialize in women’s and children’s clothing, men’s accessories, and as of this year masks! I am also a seamstress/tailor for television and film working on shows and movies for HBO, CBS, FOX, BET and more. My day-to-day differs greatly between creating masks, client work, scheduling meetings and photo shoots, marketing, and creating new sketches and designs for the next season.

With our new normal, I have to make more effort to get away from the screen and/or sewing machine and get out of the house. Atlanta looks so different on foot! But I do enjoy seeing the city a different way and taking advantage of the Beltline Trails near me and exploring hidden nooks and gems along the way.

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?

Prior to 21CL, public speaking had been an area I excelled in. Joining 21CL allowed me to be around my peers and gain more confidence speaking to groups large and small and learn to listen and connect with those I spoke to on all levels. Being in an environment with other driven and enthusiastic students made speaking and making my voice heard more comfortable and much more relaxing in many situations. I held many student government positions in high school including Class President and Executive Council member and was a Yearbook Copy Editor. In college at the University of West Georgia, as a student government senator, I became Public Relations Chair and voted “Senator of the Year.” Later, at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD Atlanta) I was also a student ambassador.

In addition to making way for leadership roles, programs like 21CL fostered many friendships that I have to this day and helped me in learning discipline to excel in operating my own business.

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

I participated in the 21CLub at Grady High School, attended a Summer Leadership Institute at Georgia Southern University and had an internship with Turner Studios. Through my internship at Turner, my group worked with Turner Classic Movies. I love older movies, and Gone With the Wind is one of my favorites! It was my first internship which made me a bit nervous, but having other 21CL members by my side, the process was much smoother as we all helped each other brainstorm ideas and finish assignments together. In addition, I gained more confidence in presenting those ideas and creating a final product all through teamwork and collaboration. In high school and early college years, I thought I wanted to be a journalist; funny that I now have my own Scarlet O’Hara moments everyday as a fashion designer!

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 would say that a memorable moment for me is even 10+ years later by continuing to be in touch with fellow 21CL alumni both from and outside my high school network. As a business owner, it warms my heart to have their support and be included for their special moments having made wedding dresses, suits and baby and children’s clothing for some of them.

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 believe to be an effective leader, one must learn to observe and listen. I’ve been able to apply that in all aspects of my professional life. On film sets, I need to make decisions based on the fit and on how actors move in costumes; I listen to feedback from clients on styles and colors they would like to see more of or what sells best, and I have to be able to acknowledge the work my team does to help keep us all afloat. I appreciated participating in 21CL alumni  round table discussions where everyone had their own spotlight of input to share and engage with students.

Alumni Spotlight: Akash Shah

The first Alumni Spotlight for September 2020 is Akash Shah, a graduate of Chamblee Charter High School (2013) and of University of Georgia (2017). He is currently a first-year law student at University of Georgia School of Law. Akash volunteered as an Alumni Roundtable Speaker during the recently concluded 2020 Virtual Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI), as well as at SYLI in 2019.

Paint a brief picture of what you’re doing now.

I’m currently a first-year law student at the University of Georgia School of Law on scholarship. I spent the previous two years, post-graduation, serving as the Vice President of sales at Vestigo – a small Atlanta-based company that utilizes action adventure sports and virtual reality to help companies become more innovative.

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

Participating in 21CL was the catalyst that helped me find my voice and lead through the many extracurriculars I participated in during my time in undergrad. Without 21CL, I never would’ve had the confidence, skill, or discernment that’s required of a leader. These skills helped me succeed in my undergraduate studies, extracurricular activities, and ultimately led to my employment and subsequently my acceptance to some of the top law schools in the country.

 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?

As a first-generation (American) college student, without 21CL, I never would’ve understood the level of professionalism required in certain settings. Through my participation in dinners, presentations, and roundtables as part of the camp, I was able to fine tune my “professional voice.” This allowed me the confidence to speak to administrators, admissions counselors, and business leaders about pressing issues.

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

From 2009-2013 I participated in EarthCare, Leadership Plugged-In, and Leadership Unplugged (the latter two known now as the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders). Each of these experiences helped me gain something different. Mainly, though, I would say each of these camps helped build my confidence and aptitude as a leader. Before 21CL, I didn’t understand the importance of leading from behind, but after participating in each of these camps I learned how, often times, the best leaders are those that do so from behind.

 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 most memorable experience of my participation in 21CL, was my participation in our capstone project presentation as part of Leadership Unplugged. We were able to present an issue of importance (as a group) to a panel of CNN executives who gave us feedback on the issue and our presentation style and skills. This was when I first felt I found my voice. It was the constructive feedback and the repeated positive feedback that gave me the confidence to then use my voice in other instances and led me to lead numerous organizations through my time in Undergrad and helped me feel confident in situations where I was the youngest in the room.

 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!

Akash Shah volunteering with other 21CL alumni at the Alumni Roundtables at SYLI 2020

21CL taught me what it meant to be a leader and how to lead – effectively building the foundation for my current leadership style. Through experiences like capstone presentations and sharpening the saw – I learned to be reserved and refined in the way I lead and have (hopefully) impacted those around me in a positive way. Over the past few years, I’ve learned the importance of self-care in leadership. It’s tough to lead others when you’re not able to lead yourself.