Alumni Spotlight: Kristin Strother

Our Alumni Spotlight for October 2022 is Kristin Strother! A graduate of Young Americans Christian School (2016) and of Georgia Southern University (2020), Kristin currently works for Mercedes-Benz USA as Critical Parts Coordinator; she loves volunteering and was at our 2022 Charity Golf Outing! While in high school Kristin participated in many of 21CL’s programs. “It was a new experience and not like any I had ever had before. I learned how to network, make friends and ask questions. These are skills that I carried with me and have helped me a great deal in where I am today.” – Kristin Strother

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

My name is Kristin Strother. I was born and raised in Georgia and graduated with a BBA in Information Systems from Georgia Southern University. Currently, I work for Mercedes-Benz USA as Critical Parts Coordinator in the Parts Logistics department. My role is pretty data-focused which consists of  managing the database, analyzing the data and communicating my findings in order to facilitate data-driven decisions.

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

21CL was my first big interview process. It showed me that I could get through an interview and that interviews weren’t always scary. I participated in a summer program that was my first time away from home in a facility that wasn’t a cabin or camping. I had to carry myself in a professional setting, manage my own time, and reach out to others on my own. I believe that going through the 21CL process provided me with the confidence in myself that has carried me through to where I am today and where I will go in the future.

Which programs did you participate in? How did the skills/tools/perspectives you acquired from 21CL prepare you for your next steps?

In 2014, I participated in Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience (now called the Warner Bros. Discovery Future Leaders Institute), [a 21CL service project cleaning up the] Atlanta Beltline, and other workshops that were held. It was a new experience and not like any I had ever had before. I learned how to network, make friends and ask questions. These are skills that I carried with me and have helped me a great deal in where I am today. In hindsight, I guess the biggest lesson I learned was how to make myself heard. I listened through all of the sessions with the professionals and had conversations at the end. When I needed clarity, I asked a question. This main lesson is what guided me through all of the experiences and opportunities I’ve had thus far.

Did you have a memorable or ‘aha’ moment during your time at 21CL?

I remember going to my interview at Georgia Tech and being so nervous. Then, I was sitting in there with all the other kids thinking of what questions they might ask and how I might answer them, and then I remember someone asking a question like ‘Can you walk like a duck’ or something like that. Funny thing is, the management team at the company I’m at now asks off-the-wall questions like that all the time. Maybe not to walk like a duck, but something that throws off the monotony of being in a serious environment and helps people to relax. Anyway, I got to meet so many people, both peers and professionals with different backgrounds; we all landed in the same room. I loved just conversing and listening to all the people and I made some really great friends!

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

21st Century Leaders has great programs and it empowered me with leadership skills at an early age.  Skills such as networking, listening, communication, on-your-feet problem solving, and letting go didn’t resonate with me until I attended the 21CL Summer Leadership Institute in 2014; and it wasn’t until I was navigating through college, working, balancing my own schedule, and job hunting that I realized the power that those lessons actually held. So, I would say yes, 21CL assisted in making me an effective leader.

Many new principles about leadership have been presented to me along the way, however, there are two things that are prevalent in my mind. One is learning to let go of control. Let go, but not too much. Allow other people to help you and if something isn’t done exactly the way you would do it, it’s okay. The second is sometimes the other person is just going to be upset…no matter what. I struggle with this one a lot. I’m such a people pleaser and love to make everyone happy, but sometimes it’s just not possible. You will hold yourself, and sometimes your team, back by trying to please every person.

Alumni Spotlight: Timothy Parham

Timothy Parham is our alumni spotlight today! Tim is a graduate of Central High School (2004) and of Reinhardt University (2010). He first joined 21st Century Leaders in 2001 as a rising sophomore in high school and has been serving with 21st Century Leaders since 2006, first on the Summer Leadership Team and then later as a Summer Institute Director since 2018. As of September 2022, he is a full time 21CL staff member, serving as the Director of Programs and Operations! “21CL solidified my passion for helping others and gave me the foundational skills of youth development.” – Tim Parham

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I recently started working with 21st Century Leaders as the Director of Programs and Operations. I began my journey with the organization as a rising high school sophomore in 2001 and to have the opportunity to oversee its programs 20 years later is an honor. I am still soaking it all in!

I am also the founder of The MAP Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to equip young men ages 12-22 with a support system to achieve their goals and become self-sufficient adults. I started The MAP Foundation because I know how it feels to want to achieve a goal but need guidance and genuine support. I love the fact that I can utilize my skills and resources to support the next generation.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, performing on the stage, and traveling.

Which programs did you participate in? How did the skills/tools/perspectives you acquired from 21CL prepare you for your next steps, going into college, taking on new leadership roles in your community, college and after?

I started my journey with 21st Century Leaders in 2001 and during that time it was different from what it has grown to be now. Mr. Bob Watson, the founding Executive Director, had an active role and I always loved listening to his leadership speeches.  He had the confidence in public speaking that I wanted to have. He also always made every student feel special. I learned a critical lesson from those times: the art of building relationships. I’ve used that skill in every new opportunity I’ve been given.

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

21CL solidified my passion for helping others and gave me the foundational skills of youth development. What I learned as a student and while working as a class facilitator during the Summer Leadership Institutes led me to work with YELLS, Inc. for seven years, in all its three programs-Mentoring, Community Action Café, and the Afterschool Program. After, I worked with Communities in Schools of Georgia, where I had a caseload of more than 100 students. This is when I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of data and how it can be used to accelerate student growth.

I believe that the skills I have accumulated along the way have prepared me for my current leadership role serving as the Director of Programs and Operations at 21st Century Leaders.

Do you have a memorable or ‘aha’ moment during your time at 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

I have lots of 21CL memorable moments! The first was as a student attending one of the programs and realizing that leadership has many definitions.  My opportunity to lead came when asked to publicly speak and at the time, standing in front of a group of people and speaking had always been a challenge for me. After that I got the opportunity to work with the summer staff for the first time. Over the years, I’ve figured out that it’s when you are vulnerable that you are your most authentic self and that’s what people remember.

Another ‘aha’ moment I had was when I realized that networking really works.  I will never forget Jeremy Foreman, one of the 21CL summer staff during my high school years. He had the kind of energy that was contagious. He was just a joy to be around and our relationship grew when I came back as a summer staff.  When I got to the point in college where I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do as a career. I reached out to a lot of people for support and guidance. He was the only one that responded and he introduced me to a person that changed my life. Her name is Dr. Tamara Harper. The networking skills that I learned from 21CL gave me the opportunity to travel the world singing with the Atlanta Opera.

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! Over the years I have gained so many jewels that I use daily. I learned that using the 3 C’s of communication, cooperation, and compassion is not just a leadership tactic that 21CL exposes but it should be a lifestyle. Out of the three, the one that I use the most is compassion. I love to motivate people to be the best version of themselves.

In addition, being a part of 21CL always reminds me that great leaders are always great followers of other great leaders. I have had so many leaders I looked up to that paved the way for me to be the Director of Programs for 21CL and I am determined to use all skills that I have learned over the years and impact the world.

 

Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Carter

21CL Alumna Ashley Carter is a graduate of Midtown High School (2016), of University Of Georgia (2020) and headed back to University of Georgia for her PMBA, She currently works as a Software Instructor for Blackbaud and has previously worked as a multimedia journalist in Atlanta, Georgia. Ashley enjoys volunteering and uplifting others and believes that growth and learning never end.  “When I was at a low point in my life during high school, I remember joining the 21CLUB at my school. We gave back to the community, got to hear from different speakers, gaining life lessons at each meeting and grew as leaders. Eventually I joined the 21CLub’s leadership because I felt better overall while uplifting others.” – Ashley Carter

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am a software instructor for a technology company called Blackbaud. I train hundreds of accountants each month, from non-profits around the world, how to navigate and use Blackbaud’s software solution, Financial Edge NXT. I previously worked in television news in Atlanta and Myrtle Beach. The skills I utilized in the news business have been essential to me striving and growing in my role.

Which programs did you participate in? How did the skills/tools/perspectives you acquired from 21CL prepare you for your next steps, going into college, taking on new leadership roles in your community, college and after?

The 21st Century Leaders community is unmatched! When I was at a low point in my life during high school, I remember joining the 21CLUB at my school. We gave back to the community, got to hear from different speakers, gaining life lessons at each meeting, and grew as leaders. Eventually I joined the 21CLub’s leadership because I felt better overall while uplifting others, as I was growing into womanhood. Those strong values of service have been instilled in me. Ms. Van Atta (the 21CLub Advisor) at Midtown High School played a key role by taking us in as we were and never judged. That made my time in the club so much nicer! I later got to attend one of the 21CL Summer Leadership Institutes, Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience, currently known as Future Leaders Institute – an experience I will never forget! That week was so fun and insightful, and it’s a huge reason I went on to study journalism at the University of Georgia! Those skills I gained from that camp are still used up to today even in my current role. On top of all of that, the friends I have made during my 21CL days are still in my life!

Do you have a memorable or ‘aha’ moment during your time at 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

Something I will never forget about 21st Century Leaders is when I was home one summer, following my senior year of high school and after an internship ended abruptly; I called 21st Century Leaders’ office to see if they had work that I could help with. They immediately created a position for me, and during that summer I got a real world work experience before college! I got to see behind the scenes of how tough their work is to support thousands of high school students, yet the staff does it with such grace. I knew from that point forward, that 21st Century Leaders’ mission was bigger than just programs and meetings… it is truly to make a better tomorrow! I will never forget that!

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!

Overall, in each role I have held, I can adapt and pivot quickly. I also have been commended for taking feedback and promptly applying that to my workflows to make outcomes greater.  Something I have learned through 21st Century Leaders is that it is important to adapt to continue growing. Growth and learning never end. I also know, as I continue to elevate, it is important to reach back to uplift others. Community service continues to be at the center of my life! I am so grateful for that.

Alumni Spotlight: Mercy Ogutu

21CL Alumna  Mercy Ogutu is a graduate of Druid Hills High School  (2019) and currently a Senior at Trinity Washington University (2023) double majoring in Political Science and International Affairs. She holds many leadership positions in her college, community and at the national level advocating for policy change in higher education, healthcare and more. During high school she attended our Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI @Goizueta), which sparked her passion for public speaking. Mercy grew up not seeing representation and her goal is to always create and advocate for the environment where everyone feels welcomed, heard, and inspired to lead change! 

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I’m Mercy Ogutu, a Senior at Trinity Washington University in Washington, DC, double majoring in Political Science and International Affairs with a minor in Africana Studies. Born in Kenya and raised in Atlanta, Ga, I am a student-leader on campus, in the community, and across the nation. I hold several leadership positions; currently I am the Executive Secretary of the DC College Democrats, Communications Director of the Black Student Alliance, Chairwoman of the Trinity Washington Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and a Tennis Representative on the NCAA Division III National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). On Division III National SAAC, I am in my second term as the Chairwoman on the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and I am a student-athlete representative on the NCAA Minorities Opportunities and Interests Committee, Interpretations and Legislative Committee, and the Mental Health Advisory Group. I have created and led student-based initiatives focused on professional development, mental health awareness, civic engagement, and increasing diversity and inclusion in athletic, academic, and professional spaces.

On Thursday, January 20th, 2022 at the NCAA 2022 Convention alongside with my fellow panelists, I gave a discussion on the importance of mental health awareness, and of education and recommended practices to support the well-being of student-athletes. This May, I interned for Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff in the United States Senate and in the spring of 2020, I interned for the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, in the House of Representatives. On campus, I am working with my fellow peers to help students navigate career goals, learn networking skills, and to lead change. 

Which programs did you participate in? How did the skills/tools/perspectives you acquired from 21CL prepare you for your next steps, going into college, taking on new leadership roles in your community, college and after?

I participated in the Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI @Goizueta) in 2018 and my favorite part was hearing the different stories of the 40Under40 panelists, unique journeys of finding their passion for their careers and the change they were making in their communities. During the 21CL summer institute, I learned to communicate effectively, use my voice for change, and organize ideas into solutions. I also got inspired to create change in my community, to help students navigate their career interests, acquire leadership skills, and to expand student-based initiatives.

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

21st Century Leaders helped me to see there is no age requirement to be the change you want to see in your community. After my summer at 21st Century Leaders’ summer leadership institute, I started my journey of working towards my goal of going to Washington, DC for school to one day become a policy advisor in higher education policies. I found my voice in wanting to advocate for change in higher education policies after my own struggles of understanding and navigating the cost of college as an immigrant student from a low-income community. 

Do you have a memorable or ‘aha’ moment during your time at 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

It was at SYLI when I introduced one of the speakers for our workshop that I found my passion for public speaking! Since then, I have gotten to write the commencement speech for my 2019 high school graduation and share my research of educational policies at the House of Representatives, United States Senate, the White House, and at national conferences.

I believe that leadership comes from inspiration, being inspired and inspiring others to find their voice and see their true potential! I grew up not seeing representation and my goal is to always create and advocate for the environment where everyone feels welcomed, heard, and inspired to lead change. Everyone has a story and it’s through those stories we can connect, learn, and grow with each other. 

 21st Century Leaders helped me find my voice and meeting incredible student leaders from across Georgia gave me inspiration to continue making change, however big or small!

Alumni Spotlight: Jestini Jordan

21CL Alumna  Jestini Jordan is a graduate of Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology (2018) and of Texas A&M University (May 2022); now she owns and operates a digital business company – Jess My Creations. Throughout high school, Jestini attended many of our student programs, was a 21CL Youth Ambassador and was one of our 2018 Georgia Youth Leadership Award winners. She prides herself in being a great listener-the skill she acquired from 21CL programs!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I just graduated from Texas A&M University with an engineering degree in Industrial Distribution! I also own and operate a digital art and digital services business called Jess My Creations where I make custom digital portraits, stickers, and more! Over my college tenure, I’ve been a resident advisor, a campus tour guide, and an active member of a women’s organization. Being involved throughout my college career has served me well but has specifically taught me the importance of building a community. Since graduating high school, I’ve moved to a new state, met people with incredible backgrounds, and strengthened and developed long lasting connections and networks.

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

Being involved in 21CL transformed the way I looked at leadership and groomed me into the young adult I am today. Being a part of 21CL taught me the true meaning of selfless service and being able to be confident in my ability to shift the paradigm. By being able to explore and refine my skills as a leader through 21CL programs during my high school, I’ve been able to excel and be confident in college in settings such as group projects, campus-wide events, and in specific leadership roles like being a resident advisor and a tour guide.

Which programs did you participate in? How did the skills/tools/perspectives you acquired from 21CL prepare you for your next steps, going into college, taking on new leadership roles in your community, college and after?

I participated in the SYLI program in the summer of 2016, the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute program in the summer 2017, and I was a member of the Executive Council as a 21CL Youth Ambassador for the 2017-2018 school year. I was also a 21CL Georgia Youth Leadership Award recipient in 2018. By participating in 21CL programs, I gained the strength and confidence to take leadership roles on my college campus, vocalize my thoughts, and feed my passions. By being able to partake in the 21CL programs, I learned the true meaning of leadership early and built a foundational knowledge to eventually grow upon in college. Whether it was the speaker panels during the Turner Voices program, or the case study in the SYLI program, I learned the skill and value of public speaking. I also had the opportunity to be a moderator in my role as a Youth Ambassador, which taught me a lot about how to convey myself in a collected manner and projecting my voice.

Do you have a memorable or ‘aha’ moment during your time at 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peer, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

My most memorable moments from my time at 21CL was meeting the likeminded peers and students from across Georgia. I loved being able to have conversations with student leaders from Savannah while also chatting with student leaders from North Georgia, all in one sitting! I loved the diversity of the program and how everyone had their own special distinction. I was able to build relationships with students that I am still connected with and talk to today! Building a community of leaders is something that I learned during my 21CL days and having friends who were also leaders, helped to propel and challenge me as a leader. 21CL did a real great job at filling the room with individuals that were innovative, exuded confidence, and were active listeners!

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! 21CL helped me refine and develop my leadership style that I still utilize and lead with today. I lead through listening and 21CL set the foundation for being a leader that listens first and then acts. As a young adult, listening provides clarity, allows me to create a calculated solution, and most importantly it allows for me to make sound decisions. 21CL fostered the ideas of active listening and engagement early in my career as a leader, allowing me to flourish in my roles today!

Alumni Spotlight: Matthew I. George

21CL Alumnus Matthew George is our alumni spotlight for April 2022. A graduate of Alpharetta High School (2019) and a third year student at Young Harris College  (2023), Matthew was one of our 2019 Georgia Youth Leadership Award winners and is currently interning for The Council of State Governments as a public policy analyst. In this post he shares about his great experience during 21CL days, the connections he made and how it all impacted him! 

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now

Hello, I am Matthew and go by Teo! I am a third year student at Young Harris College and recently I embarked on a journey to Washington DC interning for The Council of State Governments as a Policy Analyst. I communicate public policy research and engage in ongoing policy projects focused on providing state leaders policy options and solutions via non-partisan research. Working with the national policy shop on federal grant projects with the Department of Defense, Department of Labor, and Department of Education.

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

21st Century Leaders was a great way to make connections, both with fellow 21CL peers, mentors and the members of corporate organizations at each of the events I attended. This catalyzed the creation of a robust network of professionals that assisted me in many ways including advancing my portfolio and resume experience.

Which programs did you participate in? How did the skills/tools/perspectives you acquired from 21CL prepare you for your next steps, going into college, taking on new leadership roles in your community, college and after?

I participated in several 21CL programs throughout my high school years – summer, fall and winter leadership programs, all! In tandem with the previous question, it is all about the connections! One of the programs, the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders, fostered an internship with Adult Swim the following summer. I’ve maintained these contacts and now applied to a new program with CNN in Washington DC!

During my senior year of high school, I ran for student body president and later applied as peer leadership for incoming freshman. In college, I actively participated in leadership positions within our Student Government Association and some of our local organizations on campus. Additionally, a fellow 21CL partner from the Turner program is also at Young Harris College!

Do you have a memorable or ‘aha’ moment during your time at 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

There’s this one moment I distinctly remember walking out into the hallway at CNN and bumping into Carl Azuz. I froze in my tracks. After hearing him speak about his time at CNN, I realized broadcast news, writing, and/or analysis would be the way, consequently leading into a position with Adult Swim. EarthCare was my first 21CL program and I am not going to lie, I registered for it as a mistake (tehe). Nonetheless, it was SUCH a great experience, and I really enjoyed my time there! Additionally, I moved to the United States in 2016 and the experience helped with my transition, opening ideas of career pathways I had not considered in the past.

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!

Since 21CL days, I have been a shift supervisor at Starbucks in multiple locations, a Peer Leader, Orientation Leader, and involved in local politics – there has never been a consistent day with a steady workflow and I must say that the servant leadership skills developed and honed with 21CL have been crucial to every experience. 21CL is near and dear to my heart, and I loved the entire experience!

 

Alumni Spotlight: Caylin Carter

Alumna Caylin Carter is currently a student at Clark Atlanta University (Class of 2023) and is a graduate of Hardaway High School(Class of 2019) in Columbus, GA .  During her high school years she participated in the Warner Media Institute for Future Leaders in 2018 and several other 21CL’s programs and received the 2019 Georgia Youth Leadership Awards. At her college, Caylin is involved in many student activities, holds various leadership positions and currently serves as Clark Atlanta University’s United Negro College Fund Miss Empowerment 2022-2023. She gives back and recently served as a roundtable speaker on our 2021 Leadership exCHANGE fall summit.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I just finished my internship for CNN Commentator Angela Rye this past semester while attending Clark Atlanta University where I’m a majoring in Mass Media Arts with a concentration in Radio, TV, and Film and a minor in History. I am also the host of “The Scoop”, a show I started at Clark Atlanta University, and I occasionally guest host “Blackout”, another show at CAU. I am Vice President of Broadcast for CAU’s National Association of Black Journalist and President of Drop Frame Production and I currently serve as Clark Atlanta University’s United Negro College Fund Miss Empowerment 2022-2023.

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

Participating in the 21st Century Leaders program transformed me; it introduced me to people who would forever be in my corner. I met mentors at WarnerMedia that I still have today who have helped me with my resume or preparing for opportunities, which is something that I would be forever grateful for. I also met amazing friends at 21CL that I still talk to today. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who have goals really transformed me as a person, because when I see other people working hard every single day it makes me want to work harder too.

Which programs did you participate in? How did the skills/tools/perspectives you acquired from 21CL prepare you for your next steps, going into college, taking on new leadership roles in your community, college and after?

I participated in several 21CL programs including the 2018 Turner Youth Voices Media Institute now known as Warner Media for Future Leaders, a lot of the school year training events, including the Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit and I was one of the awardees of the 2019 Georgia Youth Leadership Award . During my time during the summer leadership institute, I learned a lot of skills that I still use today, one of them is to always be ready, so you don’t have to get ready. I am constantly working on my elevator pitch and my resume to be prepared whenever an opportunity comes my way. I also understand the importance of professional and dining etiquette and manners, and it wasn’t until I got to college that I realized that those are skills that not everybody has. I am extremely grateful to 21st Century Leaders for instilling that in me.

Do you have a memorable or ‘aha’ moment during your time at 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peer, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)

A memorable moment during my time at 21st Century Leaders would be when we had our final projects during the summer leadership institute and my group came in third place. It was really a challenge completing that project because it was my first time being around people who weren’t really depending on me to take charge, and they were willing to work with me which is hard when you’re so used to being a leader. So, after all the going back and forth on the ideas that we had for the project it was amazing to see it pay off, and it really taught me that leaders have to consider everybody’s ideas no matter what.

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!

As I continue to build my leadership career, I keep learning that even when it might be easier and probably faster to get some things done by yourself, it doesn’t help the people you’re leading when you take control of everything. A good leader must delegate assignments and give others a chance, if one person disappoints it doesn’t mean others will do the same. I also learned that communication is key and when people aren’t communicating with you, you must take the lead and ensure that you reach out to them.

Alumni Spotlight: Sara Gard

21CL Alumna Sara Gard is our first alumni spotlight for 2022. A graduate of Norcross High School (1999) and of Trinity University (2003), Sara is a wife and mother of two young children and currently works as the Manager of Talent and Organizational Development at APCO Holdings. In this post, she shares about how the reality check she had during her 21st Century Leaders days helped to get to a juncture she is at now where what she loves doing, what she’s good at doing, and what her company is glad to pay her for doing converge! 

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am the Manager of Talent and Organizational Development, which is part of the Human Resources function for APCO Holdings. We work in the automotive Finance & Insurance industry. In my current role, I manage processes like talent requisition, training and professional skills enhancement, career pathing, and compensation planning. Additionally, I am the volunteer leader of our Diversity & Inclusion Council. APCO has decided to move to a permanently hybrid work model, so I split my time between my home office and my “office office.” This flexibility has been extremely important for maintaining my lifestyle – I have a husband and two young kids (ages 6 and almost 4).
As a manager of processes, I spend a lot of time thinking, planning, and organizing independently. I do a lot of research and reading so that I stay aware of current trends and hopefully ahead of our competitors. Even though APCO is a 35-year-old company, we have an entrepreneurial attitude, so we’re constantly striving to be the disruptor for our industry rather than responding to the latest disruption. It makes for a fast-paced, exciting work environment. It can be tiring, but also very rewarding.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, cross-stitching, and when my kids are fully vaccinated I look forward to traveling again.

I grew up thinking that my life experience was similar to everyone else’s, and 21st Century Leaders was one of my first opportunities to interact on a deep level with people who grew up very differently. My suburban, upper-middle class life was completely different from my 21CL peers, who came from urban, rural, privileged, and disadvantaged lives. It made me want to expand my personal definition of success, and put success within reach for as many people as possible. My career took a few detours, but when I found my way into Talent Management, I realized that it was what I was always searching for. Now, I am allowed to feed my spirit by making a positive difference in the lives of fellow employees while I make a positive business difference and get paid for it. A previous boss used to call it “finding your sweet spot” – I am at the juncture where what I love doing, what I’m good at doing, and what my company is glad to pay me for doing converge. If I hadn’t had the reality check of 21st Century Leaders, I’m not sure I would have made the right choices, done the hard work, and invested in the skills and experiences that have brought me to this place, this “sweet spot”.

Which programs did you participate in? How did the skills/tools/perspectives you acquired from 21CL prepare you for your next steps, going into college, taking on new leadership roles in your community, college and after?

I was in 21CL way back in 1997, when we only had the summer on-campus program available. I remember staying in the dorms, taking day trips to various businesses, hearing from business leaders, and learning from my peers in the group. This was my first introduction to “instant team,” or a group of strangers who are grouped and given an objective, and you don’t really get a choice in the matter. In college and in business, these groups happen frequently, and rarely are we in control of who is in our group or how quickly we must learn to get along. I thought I would be the most knowledgeable, correct, and dynamic in any situation, but at 21CL, I learned that I was only a big fish in my little pond. The slice of humble pie was a healthy reminder.

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 actually came after 21CL, but was directly related. I met a really cool leader at 21CL named Ebony. She was from the Valdosta area, and I knew which high school she attended. Not long after 21CL, maybe the next week, I went to the Governor’s Honor Program at Valdosta State University, and my roommate was from the same high school. The roommate and I didn’t get along very well, but we were polite to one another. At nearly the end of the 6-week GHP program, the roommate and I had what felt like a breakthrough in our relationship, and I asked her if she would say “hi” to Ebony for me when she got back to school. I will never forget her looking at me and saying, “No. I do not speak to her. She is black, and I am a racist.”

I had lived in the same room as someone who couldn’t see the value of people past the color of their skin, and in that moment I didn’t know what to do. I think I said, “Oh.”

That moment defined something in me. It forced me to realize that no matter how hard I wanted the world to be one way, every person is experiencing this life differently. Some of us are experiencing this life in such a way that we think others’ experiences are less worthy. That has helped to fuel my desire to work for companies and in a capacity that affirms the worth of every life experience, allowing for each individual to choose their path, their goals, and their own definition of success. I take the greatest satisfaction when I am part of the company’s actions and programs that lead to positive change for the most inclusive group of employees possible. It feels like putting dreams within reach and doing important work.

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’ve already admitted that it was a long time ago when I was in 21CL, and I have changed and developed as a person and a leader in ways that would make me of today unrecognizable to that version of me. These days, I teach leaders about leadership, and I put my knowledge of leadership into practice in my own life. One big leadership lesson that is easy to implement was taught to me by Gerald Rakestraw. He is a Senior VP-level leader at a former employer, and I asked him one day to send an email regarding an issue that he was the voice of authority on. When he declined, he told me, “Sara, my voice is too loud for this issue. You have to know when your voice is the right volume for the message.”

As leaders, each of us has a certain volume to our voice. When the title is “Coordinator,” the volume is much quieter than when the title is “Senior Vice President.” What I needed to understand in that moment was that if Gerald said it, the issue would be made larger than necessary, with a spotlight shone on it, and our colleagues wondering who had caused the issue in the first place and what the fallout might be. There would be no room for error on the issue, and definitely no more discussion. This is because when the loudest person speaks, the discussion is over. In that instance, the message needed to be handled discreetly, at a softer volume and a more limited audience.

The chairman of the board at that time knew he had the “loudest” voice in the entire organization, which meant that he rarely spoke in meetings, and if he did it was always when the meeting was about to end. That style of leadership, knowing one’s own authority and making careful use of it, has molded me as a leader. It is an effectiveness tool that I enjoy sharing with others. In short, know the value of your own voice, and only speak when necessary.

Alumni Spotlight: Alisa Valentin

21CL Alumna Dr. Alisa Valentin is our second spotlight for December 2021. A graduate of Tift County High School (2008), she received a B.S in Telecommunications from the University of Florida (2011), an M.S. in Journalism from Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University (2013), and her Ph.D in Communications from Howard University (2018). She currently works as Special Advisor to Commissioner Geoffrey Starks at The Federal Communications Commission. In this post, Dr. Alisa Valentin shares about how participating in 21CL’s summer leadership institute helped shape her career!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am the Special Advisor to Commissioner Geoffrey Starks at the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C. I work on broadband access and adoption, prison phone justice, and future of work policies that center on low-income and communities of color. We are a small but mighty team so I do everything from drafting speeches to providing technical assistance on legislation to Congressional staffers to organizing events with stakeholders in the tech policy community. I love being involved in the constantly evolving tech space because these issues impact everyone across the country and the globe.

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

The 21CL summer program I participated in solidified my interest in journalism and communications before my senior year of high school. My participation in this program led me to major in Telecommunications at the University of Florida which was then followed by an M.S. in Journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, and later a Ph.D. in Communications from Howard University. I have said many times that I have 21CL to thank for my career in tech policy.

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Which programs did you participate in? How did the skills/tools/perspectives you acquired from 21CL prepare you for your next steps, going into college, taking on new leadership roles in your community, college and after?

I participated in the Leadership Unplugged: a CNN Experience (now called the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders) in 2007. During that time I learned the importance of preparation, creativity, and thinking on my feet, which has served me well throughout college, graduate school, and throughout my career.

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.?)

During the 21CL Summer Leadership Institute, we attended workshops and panels featuring television anchors, producers and senior executives. These guests led discussions on media and ethics, business etiquette and diversity in media. But what stands out the most is the diverse talent throughout the state of Georgia including rural Georgia that 21CL brought together. I can remember doing a group interview for the program at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in my hometown of Tifton, Georgia. I think it’s incredible how 21CL focused on cultivating talent from communities of color as well as communities outside of the Atlanta metropolitan area.

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!

During my summer program with 21CL, we were placed in teams to pitch an idea to CNN for an article about technology’s effect on the world. That process taught me how to collaborate with people you don’t know well to achieve a shared goal. I learned that the person who may appear to be the quietest can have the best ideas so it’s important to ask everyone if they have something to contribute. On that same note, I believe an effective leader is someone who recognizes that a good idea is a good idea regardless of a person’s title, degree-level, or seniority. I think that this speaks to the age-old saying of treating the janitor with the same level of respect as the CEO. What I know to be true in the policy space specifically is that we must do a better job of centering the voices at the margins that don’t have megaphones and that principle guides my work.

Alumni Spotlight: Sloane Brakeville

21CL Alumnus Sloane Brakeville is our first alumni spotlight for December 2021. A graduate of Kennesaw Mountain High School (2009), and of University Of Georgia (2014), Sloane is a serial entrepreneur in the software industry who previously worked as Blockchain Specialist at IBM where he worked with dozens of Fortune 500 companies. He currently works as Chief Operating Officer at Computis, a startup he founded.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now

I’m a serial entrepreneur in the software space. I sold my old startup, Fr8 Network, earlier this year and have been working full time on my latest startup Computis which is a software product for calculating capital gains and losses on cryptocurrency investments. We just survived our first tax year and are on track to triple our client base for next year!

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

21CL gave me a level of mental confidence to affirm I was “special enough” to make a mark on the world. A program like this gives kids attention and by being selected gives us a push to do something risky or challenging. It also introduced me to some great lifelong friends.

Which programs did you participate in? How did the skills/tools/perspectives you acquired from 21CL prepare you for your next steps, going into college, taking on new leadership roles in your community, college and after?

I participated in the EarthCare Summer Leadership Institute in 2009. Embarrassingly enough, the ballroom dancing class has stuck with me the most. It taught me some basic moves to build on while I was becoming an adult and without them I would have floundered on the dance floor even worse than I do. Coming into the program I frequently struggled with social confidence and the dancing lessons took away some anxiety at networking events and bars.

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

I’ll never forget sitting at a table with my new-found friends eating lunch on the last day and being filled with a sense of accomplishment. The program forced me out of my comfort zone countless times and I truly felt like a leader amongst my peers. The diversity stood out to me and the difference I felt between my peer group at my high school and my peer group at 21CL was game for me, a better perspective of the world.

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 cemented my “lead by doing” motto. I was raised by a leader, my dad, who started his own Physical Therapy clinic while I was in 5th grade. He would tell me stories of other respected leaders with a common theme; treat everyone equally, and there’s no work that is “below me.” I’ve worked a lot of different jobs to find myself here, including being a janitor on weekends to get some extra money. My experience at 21CL reminded me that a team can benefit from leadership, but the wrong kind of leadership will eventually cause an implosion.