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.

Alumni Spotlight: Brandi Harrison

Brandi Harrison, is the Senior Manager of Production Operations and Crewing at Turner, a graduate of H.V. Jenkins High School (1997) and of Brenau University (2001). She is an alumna of 21st Century Leaders and now serves as chairperson of the 21CL Junior Board of Directors. At the Georgia Youth Leadership Awards (GYLA 2019) event which took place on March 2, 2019, Brandi was our keynote alumni speaker and gave a moving speech and talked about the inspiration, skills and values she acquired during her 21CL years. She also encouraged everyone who has been impacted by program to give back.

Following is part of her speech:

“I’m thrilled to be here tonight in the presence of such amazing students who are shaping the future right before our eyes! I’m in awe of the vision and determination that each of you have shown in the projects you’ve created. And it makes me think about my experiences with 21st Century Leaders.

I went through the summer program twice, in ’95 and ’96, as a rising junior and a rising senior. Back then, each level had a focus – for instance, the rising sophomores had to start a business and most of them sold chips and candy throughout the week – so you always knew who to hit up for a midnight snack in the dorms!

I know for a fact that I can draw a direct line between those 2 summers and who I am today.

  • In that intimate environment, I learned to work with a wide diverse group of students from all over GA and it shattered any stereotype that I had of “city people” or “country people”. A trait that helps me manage my current staff of 12 today.
  • I worked on real business projects and presented solutions to professionals which required me to ask thought provoking questions and understand company’s pain points. Skills that I use every day to find efficiencies in how we manage our production studios and resources at Turner.
  • And I was required to lead – not asked, not just suggested. There was an expectation that I would build teams, mentor others, and be a strong teammate to other leaders. I’ve used that talent to secure every job I’ve ever earned. And I’ll rely on it as I step into the new role of Chairman for our very first 21st Century Leaders Junior Board. Together, along with the other alumni on the Junior Board, we have a goal to reach out and galvanize our 14 thousand alumni… reconnecting them to the program and its mission.

All of those skills and expectations were originally ignited 30 years ago and fueled by the passion of our very own, Bob Watson!

Bob is such a special person. The first time I met him was my very first day of my first camp. I was walking up to the registration table and Bob happened to be standing there. He asked my name and once I said Brandi Harrison, his face LIT UP! He knew me and he was excited to meet me. As a 15 year old it was so memorable, there are few adults, outside of family that are thrilled to meet you! In the moment I thought I was special, but as I watched him the rest of the day, he had that same reaction to every single student he met and he’d mentioned tidbits from their application and interviews.

Bob has carried that same excitement and passion through every stage of building 21st Century Leaders into the organization it is today. And I know each and every one of you here have been impacted by 21st Century Leaders and touched by Bob’s passion.

Brandi went on to encourage everyone who had been impacted by 21st Century Leaders to support the organization, which lead into our crowdfunding campaign for the “Robert Watson Scholarship” that evening.

As Chairperson for the Junior Board of Directors, Brandi encourages all of our alumni to reengage with 21st Century Leaders in some way. Join a committee with the Junior Board, volunteer with the program and events, or donate to help future generations lead. 

Thank you, Brandi! Congratulations on all of your success thus far, and thank you for giving back to 21st Century Leaders.

Alumni Spotlight: Caleb Britt

Caleb Britt is our first spotlight for the month of February! A graduate of Shorter University (2017) and of Newnan High School (2013), he currently works as Market Coordinator & Digital Content Producer at Serenbe. Caleb says that 21st Century Leaders inspired him to be an organized person who stands out and goes an extra mile, and a leader who values teamwork and relationships. Read on…

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I’m the market coordinator and digital content producer at Serenbe. Some of my responsibilities include coordinating the weekly farmers’ market and creating videos, emails and social content.

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

I learned the importance of being confident and creative. The program exposed me to multiple areas of media and how it’s produced. I enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes work and creativity that goes into showcasing a person or a product. I carry these traits with me daily as I work to produce content that drives awareness.

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 showed me how to be an organized person who stands out and goes the extra mile. Every person I encountered in 21CL was extraordinary, and that motivated me to strive for excellence in everything I do. I also learned that leaders get comfortable with being outside of their comfort zone. It’s important to be open to new opportunities that will expand your thinking.

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

I participated in Leadership Plugged-In in 2012 and was member of the Youth Advisory Board (now Youth Ambassadors) from 2012 to 2013.

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

My “aha” moment came in 2013 when I introduced the 20 Under 20 emcee and CNN Student News anchor Carl Azuz. That was my first time speaking in front of a large crowd of people I didn’t know. I was nervous in that moment, but I saw that I had support all around as my fellow Youth Advisory Board members cheered me on from the time I walked on stage to the time I walked off.  I also learned that leadership doesn’t have an age limit. It was inspiring to learn about how people my age and younger were doing great things in their communities.

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!

Most definitely! 21CL inspired me to be a leader who values teamwork and relationships. I learned that being a great leader involves being a great listener. It’s important to take everyone’s ideas into consideration because they bring different perspectives to the table.

Alumni Spotlight: Abbey Parlier

Abbey Parlier is attending the University of Tennessee Knoxville for her undergraduate degree while at the same time working as a Front Desk Agent for Crowne Plaza Downtown Knoxville. She is a graduate of Mary Persons High School (2015) in Forsyth, GA. During her high school years she participated in many 21CL programs and served on the 21CL Youth Advisory Board. She says that 21st Century Leaders taught her to be a more creative, hands-on and fearless leader! Read more about 21st Century Leaders’ Alumna Abbey Parlier…

Paint a picture of what you are doing:

I am currently a student at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. I am studying Communications with a minor in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. I also work in guest services as a Front Desk Agent at the Crowne Plaza Downtown Knoxville. I am involved in the Communications Club and Baptist Collegiate Ministries on campus at UTK also.

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

21st Century Leaders helped me decide that I wanted to pursue a job somewhere in the business industry. Over my time in college, that has evolved into wanting to be on the corporate side of the hotel and lodging industry. 21CL taught me to take the opportunities given to me, so that I can grow into a professional.

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 taught me how to network with people around me. I feel as though my networking abilities have thrived ever since my time in 21CL. The job I currently have at the Crowne Plaza and my former job at the Hyatt Place Knoxville were opportunities I got because of me talking with guest speakers that we had in class. It also taught me a lot about how to balance my work life, school life, and personal life. I have been more willing to join clubs on campus and put myself out there as a student and professional because of 21CL.

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

I participated in many 21CL programs during my high school years:

  • Summer 2014- Summer Youth Leadership Institute, Emory University
  • School Year 2013-2014- Youth Advisory Board
  • February 2014- Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit
  • October 2013- Fall Rally Day
  • August 2013- Back 2 School Kickoff
  • Summer 2013- Leadership Unplugged at Georgia Tech and CNN (now Turner Voices Youth Media Institute)
  • February 2013- Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit
  • October 2012- Fall Rally Day
  • Summer 2012- G5 @ Goizueta Business School, Emory University

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 most memorable moment from my time in 21CL was when I did G5 at Emory. It was my first 21CL experience. I met so many people who became great friends. It was also the camp that changed my outlook on my future. I became very involved with Future Business Leaders of America because of that camp. It shaped the course of my professional career aspirations and made me realize that I could excel in the business industry.

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 would say 21CL taught me to be a more creative, hands-on, and fearless leader. I learned to put myself and ideas out there and take chances. One of the things I have learned about leadership in the hotel/lodging industry is leadership and management by walking around. It is imperative when you work in guest relations to have good communication and understand what the different departments of a hotel do and how they work. It is important that a leader stays in communication with the other departments of the hotel to make sure we are functioning smoothly.

Alumni Spotlight: Derik Guyton

Derik Guyton is our first alumni Spotlight for the month of December. He works as IT Support Specialist Level II at TSYS Midtown Atlanta. He is a graduate of Langston Hughes High School (2013) and of Georgia Gwinnett College (2017). Derik was also one of our Georgia Youth Leadership Award winners in 2013. He says that building strong networks is one of the most valuable skills he gained from 21CL. Read On…    

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am employed with TSYS as a Technical Support Specialist Level II at our Midtown Atlanta office.  It is here that I provide hardware and software support to our executive and clients while on site where issues can range from telecom and PC support to networking related issues.  I also complete a variety of contract work for technology based companies like Dell and NCR in my spare time.

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

I first entered this program as a senior in high school with my own idea for a business.  Joining this program gave me the chance to be a part of Emory business competitions; with the “Shark Tank” like premise and conversing with other like minded individuals, my eyes were opened to what it takes to become a business owner.

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?

Building a network is one of the most valuable skills one can harness and I was now finding myself in front of people who could broaden my way of thinking, provide direction and act as a sounding board for ideas and concepts.  With all of that, I can say that earning the title “20 under 20” (Georgia Youth Leadership Awards) for the year 2013 resonated with me and gave me more motivation which carries with me today.

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

I’ve always been more of an extrovert; being selected as a Georgia Youth Leadership Award winner gave me more focus in using that skill to create a network that reached much further than I could have hoped for; I was able to improve my communication skills in areas and also just make sure that I am an asset to those who I am building the network with to ensure a mutual gain.

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.?)

It is one thing to read about success stories and successful people in articles or witness it on television but it is a whole different appeal when you are walking amongst these individuals and their stories in person.  I made sure that I followed their advice and in doing so, I saw things really begin to grow the way I envisioned and I hoped to have some of those same stories to share with others.

Derik recently got back involved with 21st Century Leaders serving as a volunteer at our 2018 Leaderboard charity golf outing with the desire of working more with our students and the rest of the alumni network.

Alumni Spotlight: Taylor Benford

Taylor Benford is our second Alumni Spotlight for November 2018! She works as a Senior Consulting Analyst at Accenture  and is a graduate of Howard University (2016) and of Whitefield Academy (2012). Taylor says that participating in 21st Century Leaders gave her a strong foundation for becoming a transformative leader throughout her college years and as a young professional.  For her, it’s never too early to start giving back!  Read on…

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now

I’m currently a Senior Consulting Analyst at Accenture where I’m in the Consulting Development Program. Specializing in Finance Analytics, my project experience ranges with clients in a variety of industries from Public Service to Communications.

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

Participating in 21st Century Leaders armed me with the foundations of becoming a transformative leader in collegiate and professional settings. I am deeply grateful for the guidance that I received – from understanding the importance of advocating for myself and others to learning appropriate business casual attire. This guidance led me to joining a professional business fraternity, obtaining multiple internships, and entering my senior year of college with an accepted job offer. As a young professional, my leadership skills have carried me where inexperience may have created adversity.

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 provided me with the confidence and reassurance that I needed to pursue leadership opportunities when I started college. During my freshman year at Howard University, I was elected as Treasurer of the School of Business Freshman Council and was admitted into the Freshman Leadership Academy. I can definitely trace the refinement of my soft skills, such as public speaking and effective networking, back to my 21CL roots.

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

I participated in Leadership Plugged-In (now TVYMI) in 2011, during the summer before my senior year of high school. Learning how to work collaboratively, speak with poise regardless of audience, and understanding the influence of technology on business at Leadership Plugged-In has been a catalyst in my success. Also, having the opportunity to present to Turner executives in high school has definitely made it easier for me to present to C-suite client executives at work 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.?)

The most memorable moment for me was meeting so many amazing people from across Georgia. The entire week of Leadership Plugged-In we encouraged each other, worked tirelessly to complete our presentations, and built lasting connections. I recall being in awe of how ambitious and passionate everyone was. Iron sharpens iron and I returned to school that fall with a renewed spark. I still keep in contact with many people from that summer and truly value that 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!

I believe that one of my key strengths is my ability to create genuine connections with people from all backgrounds and levels. During Leadership Plugged-In, we had to seek feedback from Turner executives as well as our counselors to produce a successful business case presentation. I strive to be a 360-degree leader who successfully leads themselves, leads upwards, leads across peers, and leads downwards. Staying in contact with 21CL over the last 7 years has afforded me many opportunities to volunteer. No matter where you are in your career, it’s never too soon to start giving back!