Alumni Spotlight: Allante’ Collier

Allante’ Collier  is a graduate of  Kennesaw State University (2017) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering Technology. As a 21st Century Leaders student, Allante’ attended  Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology in Gwinnett county when she participated in  one of our summer leadership institutes in summer 2011. She attended Leadership Plugged-In (2011) one of two Turner sponsored summer programs at that time, where she was able to meet professionals in a variety of fields who inspired her career. Allante’ recently began her Project Management career in the construction industry and specializes in automation and controls for special projects, she currently works for  McKenney’s, Inc as Assistant Project Manager.

 Paint a picture of what you are doing currently

Currently, I am thriving in the Construction industry on the Project Management track. I specialize in Automation & Controls on special projects. During my time away from work, I serve as the National Professionals Publicist of the National Society of Black Engineers and run a lifestyle blog. Life is exciting and everything I could have never imagined!

How did participating in 21CL change you and/or lead you to where you are now

Participating in 21CL began my process of breaking away from my introvertive habits. I had to understand that growth does not come from being still and quiet, in a room full of opportunities.

What was a memorable or “aha” moment in 21CL

My “aha” moment in 21CL was networking with executives at Turner Studios during the executive leadership dinner. The professionals assured me that networking is just a conversation and I should not fear speaking with those in a higher power, as long as I make great use of the time.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps, going into college and taking leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc..

21CL introduced me to getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. I became open to initiating conversations with executives and narrowing down my focus points to ask inquisitive, worthwhile questions. The main tool that has assisted me along my journey was the numerous opportunities to speak to varying audiences to get me out of my comfort zone.

What’s something you have recently learned about leadership

Recently, I have learned that leadership does not have an “official” position. If one sees an opportunity to guide others in a positive direction, take full control and lead. Never let fear or one’s worry of “not meeting the requirements” halt that process.

 

Allante’ is now giving back to the organization that gave so much to her. She has been an active volunteer with 21st Century Leaders during the past year, participating in our student applications and interviews led by our corporate partners and professionals.

Are you an alumni of 21st Century Leaders and want to be featured in the next Alumni Spotlight? Update us on where you are now.

Alumni Spotlight Update: Manny Elsar, Jr

Manny Elsar, Jr., who works for The Coca-Cola Company, is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Economics & International Affairs with a minor in Spanish. He graduated from Etowah High School in 2013.

Manny took the lessons from his time in 21CL into many new opportunities where he could grow in personal and community leadership. As a college student, Manny was actively involved in leadership and service. In 2016 Manny was selected to be an Orientation Leader at UGA for matriculating freshmen, and in 2017 he reconnected with 21CL to serve as a volunteer leader to current 21CL students at our leadership summits and summer institutes. 

After graduating in December 2017, Manny began working at the Coca-Cola Company as a digital business analyst in their marketing department. Manny was also the alumni spotlight for March of 2017, but after updating 21st Century Leaders of his new position at The Coca-Cola company we were eager to learn how 21CL prepared him for this point in his career journey. Read Manny’s first alumni spotlight post here.

Thank you, Manny, for sharing your leadership with 21CL!

Is there a piece of knowledge or a lesson that you learned from 21CL that you have put to use at your job at Coca-Cola? 

I would say the one thing that I learned from 21CL is how important diversity of thought is in both my personal and professional life. I encountered so many different types of people years ago at Leadership Unplugged (now Turner Voices Youth Media Institute) that challenged my ideas and mindset in high school. I used that time to not only think critically about my place in the world as a young, black millennial but how my experiences can both mold and help my future career and social goals.

The fact that I still keep up with people I met through 21CL 6 years ago is a testament to the leadership skills the organization cultivates in all its students. We all had concrete goals to be great in our academic lives, and we’ve done that plus more. I can confidently say that 21CL was the first and most important step in developing my love for surrounding myself with people from different backgrounds so then I’m consistently adjusting to how the world changes.

What is something new that you recently learned about leadership?

I wouldn’t say this is something new I’ve learned about leadership, but rather I had to remind myself while I started my career that it is absolutely okay to make mistakes. A lot of people have the assumption that leaders lead effortlessly and without any fault, but that couldn’t be any farther from the truth. Some of the best leaders throughout history made mistakes and openly admitted to not having all the answers.

Working with such a big company scared me initially because I was worried that mistaking mistakes would quickly put me on the chopping block. My fears were quickly assuaged by managers who worked hard to develop my technical skills for my current position. They understood where I was coming from, but they also reminded me that leaders make mistakes and by no means is it a demonstration of my intelligence level. I was afraid to make mistakes as a fresh college graduate because I didn’t want coworkers to make judgments about my background, but so far I’ve had no reason to worry about that. I’m very glad to work for a company that works hard to cultivate leadership skills in all its employees, no matter how junior or senior you may be in the hierarchy.

Which of our seven leadership competencies have you used in your workplace recently? 

Action-Oriented. Such a cliche phrase, but I honestly believe “Actions speak louder than words” is the truest statement I’ve seen next to verses in the bible. It’s so easy to speak about what you’ll do for someone, but it’s another thing to put weight behind what you promise. In the workplace, you need those action-oriented people that’ll stick their necks out to get stuff done. Whether it’s going the extra mile to finish a presentation, or making an extra call to someone to make sure you’ve obtained all the information, your actions prove your worth in the workplace.

I do preface that by saying it’s necessary to work smarter, not necessarily harder. Staying hours after you were supposed to leave, in my opinion, doesn’t prove your work ethic but rather a lack of time management. It’s absolutely vital to put your mental and physical health first in the workplace as you won’t be able to produce quality work unless you’re at your absolute best. I’ve learned that the hard way since starting full time in January.

Are you an alumni of 21st Century Leaders and want to be featured in the next Alumni Spotlight? Update us on where you are now.

Alumni Spotlight: James Nixon

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Alumni Spotlight: James Nixon

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This month’s Alumni Spotlight features James Nixon, who shares his reflections on the fundamental leadership skills he gained through participating in 21st Century Leaders’ programs in the 1990’s. Now, nearly 20 years later, James is the VP of Administrative & Clinical Services at Tift Regional Health System. He is a graduate of Tift County High School and Mercer University.

At the 10th Annual Georgia Youth Leadership Awards, James delivered his inspirational message about the impact 21CL has had on his personal and professional development, the value of his internships through 21CL, and excitement for the future of leadership.

How did participating in 21st Century Leaders (21CL) change you and/or lead you to where you are now?

21CL was the foundation to my formal business and leadership training.  These skills followed me through my internships, college work and even now.  I still use principles learned from team building modules from our courses.  Likewise, I continue to keep up with life-long friends who I made through 21CL.

What was a memorable or “aha” moment in 21CL (Particular program, meeting a professional, etc?)? 

The biggest “aha” moment in connecting the dots with 21CL is how I forged true friends, some of which, I STILL keep in touch with personally and professionally.  The degrees of separation in the business world and throughout the state are very small.  The world of business and industry intersect on may levels.

Which programs did you participate in, and when?

The first program I attended was in Tifton at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC).  The group of us who met at our first camp planned our remaining summers together each year afterward.  Since then, 21CL has continued to evolve into other specialized programs for youth year-round.

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 tools/ perspectives have helped you along the way?

After participating in the program, I later interned with 21CL in the summers during college and served as the assistant director of camps during that time as well.  21CL has had an unquantifiable impact on my professional life.  During my internship, I learned how to present to corporate boards, learned about and worked on fund development and it allowed me to ‘cut my teeth’ as a formal leader and as a mentor.  Prior to my internship with 21CL, my exposure from the program gave me the opportunity to intern with Georgia Power.  My training and relationship from 21CL poised me to intern in a pilot program at the local office.

What is something you recently learned about leadership? 

Of course, we never stop learning.  I was in a training last month; one workshop focused on leadership in our era of dependence on electronic communication as a default method.  The message was:  an email has never built a relationship but has destroyed them countless times.  Never use email as a substitute for communication that is better to be held face-to-face or by phone.

Do you have a reflection or anecdote about a time you put a skill or piece of information you learned through 21st Century Leaders to work as a professional? 

Yes, I used this personally and professionally… from the FISH program, I learned, “even if we disagree, don’t make me wrong.”  This means that there are always different perspectives and often not just one right answer or means to get something accomplished.

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Alumni Spotlight: Brent Gills

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Alumni Spotlight: Brent Gills

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This month’s Alumni Spotlight features Brent Gills, who is currently an MA in Management/MIM student at Wake Forest University and founder of The Gills Consulting Group. Brent graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School in 2009 and has degrees in physics from both Hampton University and Florida A&M. He attended 21CL programs from 2007-2009, including the very first EarthCare, sponsored by Georgia Power.

At 21CL’s annual golf outing, Leaderboard at East Lake, on October 11, 2017, he shared his story about the opportunity given through 21st Century Leaders that led him to his passion for STEM careers and prepared him with skills for fruitful connections. Read his takeaways from being a 21st Century Leader, and his speech to call forth leadership and support for the 21CL community.

How did participating in 21CL change you and/or lead you to where you are now?

21CL taught me to have the confidence to actually go after the things I wanted. Without actually seeing people face to face that had the types of jobs I’d only read about, it’s hard to imagine yourself in some of those positions. You can say, “I’d like to be a VP or CEO in the future,” but I never truly believed it until I sat down and had a conversation with men and women who sat in those seats. You never know what things from 21CL you’ll actually ever need. I remember being at a Physics conference and actually sitting at the same table as a Nobel Laureate. If it weren’t for the table etiquette (both conversational and utensil) that I learned at camp, and trust me, it was definitely practiced at my home, I probably would have embarrassed myself in front of the people at the table. Instead, I’d had plenty of practice, so I was poised in my delivery.

What was a memorable ‘aha’ moment in 21CL?

I would have to say I had that moment after using a business card that we got at camp one summer. The gentleman I gave it to was so impressed that a young person took the time to have business cards made that he took his time to make sure I was successful during every part of college. That gentleman is still a mentor of mine today.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? What tools and perspectives have helped you along the way?

As I stated earlier, 21CL gave me the confidence I needed to actually know that I can and should be competing with EVERYONE out here no matter where they may come from. I’d been around leaders from all over the state, so when it came to running for Freshman class President or any other elected position while in undergrad, I was prepared. The organization also gave me a bridge into networking and why you actually do it. Learning to network is something that most people don’t get to learn about until they’re much older, and having those experiences in high school made me better prepared than my peers in both undergrad and graduate school.

What’s something you’ve recently learned about leadership?

I’m slowly learning how to say no. I’m always reading about how that’s the most important thing that effective leaders are good at.

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Brent’s Speech

“What is something that most people take for granted? Family? Time? Well, how about opportunity?—-And it’s a shame that so many of us take opportunity for granted. Because without it, we wouldn’t have the chance to do what we do or have the things we have.

Tonight, we’re not celebrating, but I want you all to see the gravity of the opportunities that you’ve been creating. We’re here so that you can know about the success that this program has had. The 21st Century Leaders Program’s goal is to empower the next generation so that they can encourage the generation behind them to go the extra mile for our world. If it weren’t for the British Physicist (or electrical engineer, whatever you engineers in the room want to refer to him as) Michael Faraday, who came from extremely humble beginnings, getting the opportunity to listen in on lectures and work as Sir Humphrey Davy’s secretary at the Royal Institute of Great Britain, we wouldn’t be enjoying the light that’s enabling all of us to see each other at this very moment. Georgia Power’s business is based on the work of Faraday and other physicists who were obsessed with electromagnetism at the time. While 21st Century Leaders has a goal to uplift the children in our communities, to exude leadership in their everyday lives, I want to set a goal for the rest of us: to never let the next great scientist or leader slip through the cracks.

Now let me take you all on a journey. The year was 2007 (goodness gracious so long ago right?). I was 16, had an un-nurtured love for science, but was known as the class clown because I did not take my future seriously. Then 21st Century Leaders and GA Power gave me the opportunity to attend an environmental sustainability/leadership camp (EarthCare).  What a combination, right? It was perfect for me, because I knew I had an interest in being a scientist, and I had the natural ability to lead teams of people. I learned about power, different sources of energy, leading and working in teams with people who might not look like I do or be from the same Decatur neighborhood as me. I learned about public speaking, business and leadership etiquette, teamwork, and most importantly, networking. I lost my fear of talking to people and asking for advice or help, which in my experience is the most important thing you can ask someone for.

21CL taught me how to seize opportunities, and I brought that with me in 2009 when I was a freshman at Hampton University studying physics but was uncertain, hesitant about my choice because of the stress associated with becoming a scientist… Let me add that when I went on my college visit, a fellow 21st Century Leader alum came along with me, which speaks to the strength of our network. Speaking of networks, I even met my mentor Dr. Ramsey Smith, by giving my 21st Century Leader business card. Dr. Smith, a chemical physicist at NASA, played an instrumental role in my development as a scientist. He said, “Brent, a day should not go by without you researching something for yourself. Think for yourself. Form your own opinions. Verify whatever you’re told.” After that conversation, I was confident in my choice of studying science and caring about the things that I did. I then knew that the time I put into my studies and research would be worth it. I got a chance to work in optics laboratories, do research on dark matter and energy. My eyes opened up because of one opportunity. Using many of the skills that I learned during my tenure as a 21st Century Leader, I was elected as SGA President at Hampton, where we initiated a Green campaign and brought 150% more recycling bins and other sustainability tools to our campus. But it started with opportunity. In Malcolm Gladwell’s book Tipping Point, he stated “small things can make a big difference.” One person who comes through this program can birth new opportunities, just as Michael Faraday did with the field of electromagnetism.

Opportunity is the major difference between a millionaire and a lower middle class American worker, even more so than effort. When someone gets an opportunity, they’re able to make something more of themselves…they’re able to see what’s available to them outside of their daily struggle. They have the choice to be successful or not, instead of their environment making that choice for them. If Robert Smith, the CEO of Vista Equity Partners wouldn’t have been the lucky kid from his town to attend Cornell for a summer engineering program, he wouldn’t have ever known what chemical engineering was, and hold the 5 patents that he holds today. Mr. Smith subsequently attended Columbia Business School and became the founder and chairman of one of the largest private equity firms in the world. If Albert Einstein wouldn’t have had the opportunity to work for the Swiss Patent Office, he wouldn’t have had the scientific background that he had, which means that he probably wouldn’t have theorized the special theory of relativity, which lead to us creating the atom bomb to win WW2 and us being able to use nuclear energy to power entire cities. What would’ve happened if Dr. Einstein wouldn’t have theorized the things he did?

Without opportunity, people cannot succeed. I don’t care how self-made you consider yourself to be…it just wouldn’t happen. I can definitely say that 21st Century Leaders gave me the opportunity to do some of the things I’ve done. I hold two degrees in physics and I’m now working on my MIM at Wake Forest University, while leading a consulting firm that a former professor and I started at the beginning of this year. My consulting firm, The Gills Consulting Group, focuses on STEM consulting and policy, and environmental sustainability, which is something I hold near to my heart.

I know that all of you are here because you care about your communities. You care about this world that we all live in. If it weren’t for people like you all, and Bob Watson, people like me wouldn’t have known the different fields within engineering, or be as concerned with our environment and how it works. I wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for the opportunities that were awarded to me through this very program. People like you empower others around you to reach higher, do bigger things, to take those extra steps…

Each of you in this room has had a door opened for you. It’s about reciprocating that gesture and making it so that more people can experience the successes that you have. Now, Isaac Newton said that energy cannot be created, nor destroyed. We already have a good bit of energy here in this room with 21st Century Leaders and we have to make it a priority to keep this energy flowing.”

FEEL INSPIRED TO SUPPORT 21CL – CLICK HERE

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Alumni Spotlight: Betts and Chet DeHart

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Alumni Spotlight: Betts and Chet DeHart

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Betts and Chet DeHart are 21-year-olds native to Atlanta. In 2012 they attended 21st Century Leaders’ Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI), a week-long summer institute focused around business leadership, and are now young leaders of their own business!  These two alumni are the founders and owners of Lucid FC, an international fashion brand stocked in boutiques, Urban Outfitters, and online. They’ve been featured in Esquire, Vogue, and The New York Times. They graduated in 2014 from Ben Franklin Academy and Riverwood International Charter School, respectively.

Earlier this month, they hosted a webinar about entrepreneurship in the fashion industry for our #WebinarWednesday series – the recording can be viewed here.

What is your business, Lucid FC, about?

Lucid FC is a young, forward fashion, life, and style curated by 21-year-old twins Betts and Chet DeHart. There are unique details and design in each piece. No products, styles, or labels compare to Lucid FC. From our patterns, to our cuts and fabrics, we create each piece from its start to its end. In our design process, we craft each item with care and honour. Lucid FC is balanced but different, edgy and symmetrical, and powerful yet simple.

Lucid FC was born in and is currently headquartered in Atlanta, yet we constantly create, work and draw inspiration in the streets of New York and London. While present in these cities, we became an international brand. Since the beginning, Lucid FC has become instantly recognizable because of our striking logo. Catching the eyes of each impression, the Lucid FC logo makes and “L” or “F” in every direction. Styles and visuals are a favorite amongst the biggest media outlets and fashion’s elite. Critically acclaimed worldwide, the twins keeps the world watching each season.

At Lucid FC, prep collides with streetwear and creates our signature style. Each product is designed by Chet DeHart, of renowned London fashion school Central Saint Martins. Betts is the business savvy twin that brings the brand to new heights across the world. Chet designs. Betts is all business. Lucid FC is more than just a brand; it represent a whole new generation, the 21st century’s creative sub-culture. Lucid FC is made with love for anyone and everyone. Lucid FC strives to bring forth concepts, products, and awareness to reach the title “superbrand of the new generation.”

How did participating in 21CL change you and/or lead you to where you are now?

We have kept relationships with fellow 21CL members. 21CL taught us better more to network and how to be a successful leader. One particular experience that inspired us was doing the  case studies with real life references, and some guest activities during our 21CL program. Being able to experience Coca-Cola’s business so in-depth was very insightful.

What was your most memorable moment in 21CL?

Getting real life experience, working with professionals and seeing how things work in the big world with leadership and business were a huge help.

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 tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL prepared us for our bright future by teaching us early on the essential business and leadership skills needed to stay around. It gives real life experience before you can hit the ground with your own feet. It teaches us how to have a voice.

What’s something you’ve recently learned about leadership?

No matter how small your team is, you can always use more help. In fact, the more people you have, the more leadership you will build and gain. Trust is also important in leadership.

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In their webinar, Betts and Chet go in-depth about their experience as young entrepreneurs, the steps between concept and creation, and the process of growth and persistence.

Check out the Lucid FC lookbook and shop the styles at their website here.

For even more inspiration, check out Lucid FC on social media!

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Alumni Spotlight: Charlese Watson

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Alumni Spotlight: Charlese Watson

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Charlese Watson, owner of HoneyBee Studios, participated in the 21st Century Leaders summer leadership institute program at Savannah State University in 2007. Prior to that, she participated in the inaugural Turner-sponsored summer leadership institute program at GA Tech in 2006. She was also a marketing intern for 21st Century Leaders from 2007 – 2008 (which was “loads of fun!”) and is a volunteer with 21CL. Charlese is a high school graduate of DeKalb School of the Arts and college graduate of Savannah College Art & Design.

Currently, Charlese is focusing on building clientele for her videography company, HoneyBee Studios. She has two brands under her company: the first brand is dedicated to filming weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, birthday parties, and special occasions; the second brand is dedicated to filming promotional videos for corporate clients, music videos, etc. She is continuing to build out her wedding brand, with plans to strategically focus on the corporate brand side in the summer of 2018.

How did participating in 21CL change you and/or lead you to where you are now?

21st Century Leaders gave me lifelong friendships and the leadership skills I needed to pursue and be successful in various positions throughout my college career. 21st Century Leaders also provided me with the confidence needed to go after my dreams and create a life that I enjoy living. The organization taught me how important it is to help those around you and give back when you can.

What was your most memorable moment in 21CL?

A memorable moment for me was when we had the opportunity to visit Turner Studios and shoot a Public Service Announcement (PSA).

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 tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21st Century Leaders taught me how to network and how to work with people of different backgrounds. Both of these tools allowed the transition into college to be smooth for me. With the leadership skills I developed, I was able to secure multiple part-time jobs and leadership positions while in school, which included being an orientation assistant, marketing assistant for the school magazine and newspaper, student ambassador, and first year experience peer mentor, amongst other roles.

What’s something you’ve recently learned about leadership?

Being a great leader means being of service to the people you lead, caring about their needs and goals, as well as supporting them every step of the way.

What advice or encouragement do you have for 21CL students?

Take the program seriously. Make a ton of connections. Learn all that you can because you never know when you’ll need to pull from your experiences within the organization. Keep in touch with your peers throughout your college career!

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Learn more about HoneyBee Studios and Charlese’s targeted brands at www.honeybee-studios.com  Best wishes, Charlese! Thank you for sharing inspiration with future entrepreneurs like yourself, and we’re sure we will see you soon!

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Alumni Spotlight: Erin Lightfoot

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Alumni Spotlight: Erin Lightfoot

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I never thought I would be responsible for leading over 600 employees at 22 years old. Working for the biggest and coolest online retailer in the world has been an invaluable experience in project management and team development. With two holiday seasons under my belt, I’d say I’m getting the hang of this young professional lifestyle. Now in 2017 and age 24, I’m returning to the Atlanta area to continue my Amazon journey and remain involved in the programs and organizations who helped shape me. Thank you 21CL for empowering me to lead before I knew who or what I’d be leading.

Erin Lightfoot didn’t predict how her experience with 21CL as a high school student would prepare her for a role as Area Manager for Amazon Fulfillment after college, but she knew the experience gave her a foundation. After attending one of 21CL’s week-long summer leadership institutes, Erin sought out places and ways to apply her leadership. Read about her journey and the motivation she shares!

How did participating in 21CL change you and/or lead you to where you are now?

21st Century Leaders introduced me to other bright-minded young people. That one week was the first time I’d left my hometown for a “significant” amount of time for the purpose of leadership development. 21CL planted seeds of confidence, exposure, and focus on my future that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

What was your most memorable moment in 21CL?

My most memorable moment was working with my group members to design an app called ShakeDate. It was one of the first times I created and presented a business plan.

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 tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

For the rest of my high school career I pursued more leadership opportunities, revamped my high school’s honor society, led the committee for the school’s annual black history show, and landed two internships – one with a U.S. Congressman and one with a neighborhood revitalization group. I thrived in college as well and graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 2015. I was accepted into graduate school but ultimately decided to join Amazon Fulfillment as an area manager for one of their largest distribution centers.

What’s something you’ve recently learned about leadership?

Recently I’ve re-learned the importance of servant leadership and truly being in touch with the people I am leading. Over the years, I’ve witnessed other leaders become distracted by their titles or become obsessed with metrics instead of focusing on the people they are leading every day. By taking a genuine interest in the people I serve, I find that their morale increases and their performance improves. Everyone wants to be valued, heard, and supported.

What advice or encouragement do you have for 21CL students?

Be YOU! And be proud of who you are! Find joy in whatever career path you choose. If you ever become discouraged along the way, remember you are unique and filled with purpose. Keep in mind what motivates you and put your passions to action.

I actually have the same words of encouragement for professionals: Be YOU! And be proud of who you are! Find joy in whatever career path you choose. If you ever become discouraged along the way, remember you are unique and filled with purpose. Keep in mind what motivates you and put your passions to action.

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Erin attended G5 (now SYLI) at Emory’s Goizueta Business School in the summer of 2010. She is a graduate of Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School (’11) and the Georgia Institute of Technology (’15). She spoke at the 2017 Georgia Youth Leadership Awards in February, and students attending SYLI this summer can look forward to meeting her (as well as other alumni) at the 21CL Alumni Networking Roundtables Event!

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Alumni Spotlight: Manny Elsar, Jr.

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21CL Alumni Spotlight: Manny Elsar, Jr.

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You wouldn’t know it now, but before participating in 21st Century Leaders, Manny Elsar, Jr. held himself back from talking to the people he could learn from. Then, he attended Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience (which has since evolved into Turner Voices Youth Media Institute) in 2012, and the art of conversation was unlocked!

How did participating in 21CL change you and/or lead you to where you are now?

21CL was the catalyst to a number of leadership positions I’ve had on campus. Leadership Unplugged brought me out my comfort zone by introducing me to a different set of influential people in the field I wanted to go into in high school. (Funny enough, I don’t do anything in journalism in college but in the future I’d love to be on news shows like Bloomberg and CNNMoney discussing economic policies!) I think the number one thing that 21CL taught me was that networking is key in a work setting. If you don’t leave a business setting without learning the story of at least one person there, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

What was your most memorable moment in 21CL? 

My most memorable moment in 21CL was the salsa dancing! It was a nice way to unwind from the other aspects of the week, and it taught me something new that I’d never experienced before. This was four years ago, but I also remember meeting Carl Azuz.

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 tools or perspectives have helped you along the way?

One thing that 21CL does well on a consistent basis is making sure its students are prepared to enter the world as young professionals, no matter what field they enter. I distinctly remember feeling so empowered after the week at Georgia Tech because it showed me that people who looked like me and came from similar backgrounds like myself were not just living, but thriving in their careers. I’ve brought that sense of comradery I felt in 21CL and brought it to organizations that I’ve been a part of at UGA. 

A critical tool that I gained from 21CL was the ability to “work a room.” Before Leadership Unplugged, I was very timid and never really tried to break free from the mold that I created for myself (quiet, does well in school and nothing more). After 21CL, I remember my parents talking about how I became a lot more outgoing and willing to just talk to people. If there’s one thing that we can all improve on as young professionals, it’s the art of conversation. Knowing when to let other people guide the discussion or speaking up when it makes sense is a skill that I’m still honing to this day, but it never would have started without my experiences in 21CL. For that, I’m forever grateful.

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Manny Elsar, Jr. is a senior at the University of Georgia studying Economics & International Affairs with a minor in Spanish. He graduated from Etowah High School in 2013.

Manny took the lessons from his time in 21CL into many new opportunities where he could grow in personal and community leadership. In 2016 Manny was selected to be an Orientation Leader at UGA for matriculating freshmen, and in 2017 he reconnected with 21CL to serve as a volunteer leader to current 21CL students at the Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit!

Thank you, Manny, for inspiring us to seek a connection in any conversation and for sharing your leadership with 21CL!

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Alumni Spotlight: Natasha Walker

Natasha Walker, 21CL Alumna

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In 2016, Natasha joined the Summer Leadership Team as a returning alumna and shared her experience with the current students. She works at Turner and regularly volunteers with Marietta YELLS. She graduated from Marietta High School in 2012 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from Auburn University in 2016.

How did participating in 21CL change you and/or lead you to where you are now?

21st Century Leaders was my first exposure to professionalism and networking. I’ve been able to build my network on LinkedIn since high school. This doesn’t seem like a big deal, but some of my peers are just now learning about it. Through 21st Century Leaders I was also exposed to companies and business partners I could one day work for. In fact, now I’m employed at Turner.

What was your most memorable moment in 21CL? 

I enjoyed the ropes course at EarthCare, speaking at the closing ceremony at EarthCare, and the case competition during the Winter Leadership Weekend (Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit). I had a great time as a student, but it wasn’t until I came back to work the summer leadership programs this past summer, in 2016, that I really felt impactful. It’s awesome to know that I can help some young leaders in the way that I was helped and to work alongside some of my former leaders as their peer.

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 tools or perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL taught me that leaders aren’t born, they are made. You may be a great leader already, but there is always an opportunity for growth. As a student at Auburn University, I chose to not only excel academically, but also to be a part of change on my campus. I served as Administrative Vice President for the Black Student Union, as a Resident Assistant, an Ambassador for the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, an Orientation Leader for International Students and more. If it wasn’t for the strong foundation and practice with 21CL in high school, I wouldn’t have been allotted as many opportunities or as prepared to interview for those positions.

What’s something you’ve recently learned about leadership?

Leaders give back. As a young professional it’s easy to feel like you’re struggling to find your next move and the ways to grow in your current position, but strong leaders give back. It’s important to continue to create opportunities to meet new people in your field. I’ve met so many people simply by reaching out and they are usually willing to give me information about their positions and introduce me to other people I should meet who can help me grow as well. [/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”” class=”” id=””/][fusion_text]Thank you, Natasha, for sharing your leadership lessons and giving back to 21CL as a summer leadership team member! Here’s to more growth and being a part of change!

 

Alumni, check out the 21st Century Leaders Alumni group on LinkedIn for a summer photo from the archives.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Alumni Spotlight: Natalie Walker

Natalie Walker

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Natalie is now a Strategic Sourcing Analyst at Cox Enterprises and a regular volunteer with 21CL and other youth organizations.

 How did participating in 21CL change you and/or lead you to where you are now?

As an active high school student, I loved being involved in a variety of activities from being a three-sport Athlete, to leading my schools Air Force Junior ROTC as Group Commander, to leading my student body as a student council representative. 21CL taught me invaluable skills such as work-life balance and networking. Working with and connecting with so many professionals and peers really boosted my confidence and exposed me to different leadership principles, my personal strengths and weaknesses and exposed me to a diverse group of peers that forged in me a more global and forward thinking mindset.

 What was your most memorable moment in 21CL?  

My favorite experience as an Alumna would have to be connecting with professionals. While I was an intern for Cox Enterprises, I connected with Ed Roche from the 21CL Board of Directors and was able to attend Cox Day for the SYLI Networking dinner at Goizueta’s Business School. I had a great time meeting the program participants and talking to them about my experiences in college, about my course of study in Supply Chain Management and what I did as an intern at Cox Enterprises!

Which programs did you participate in? 

 My high school (Marietta High School) had a Youth Leadership Center so I was involved with the program’s school year initiatives as well as Summer Leadership Institutes! I attended three Summer Leadership Institutes and during my third summer as a 21st Century Leader (2011) I attended EarthCare, sponsored by Georgia Power. Many of the professionals were engineers and shared with us their experience, including how to conduct energy audits. I thought that was so cool that I pursed engineering as a major going into college.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of young professionalism, etc. What tools or perspectives do you have because of 21CL? 

One thing that I capitalized well on as a student leader was knowing my strengths and weaknesses and communicating those to my fellow student leaders. Networking and communication are key for any leader at any level and stage from college to a professional career. I used those skills to lead groups of students at Auburn University: (1) to raise funds for Flint Michigan & Children’s Miracle Network, (2) to engage in activities including physical and mental health initiatives as well as (3) inspire them to make a difference by seeking opportunities and engagements for the things they are passionate about and (4) to achieve their goals both inside and outside of the classroom. [/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”” class=”” id=””/][fusion_text]Thank you, Natalie, for giving back to 21CL as a volunteer (you may have seen her at the 4th Annual Leaderboard at Eastlake Golf Outing or conducting student interviews for the 2017 summer leadership institutes, to name a few)! You are inspiring youth to lead, now and in the future![/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]