Alumni Spotlight: Edward Freeman

21CL Alumnus Edward Freeman is our second spotlight for November 2021. A graduate of Thomasville High School (2017), and currently a final year student at Georgia Institute of Technology (2021), he was recently recognized as one of Georgia Tech’s 2021 Faces Of Inclusive Excellence Honorees for his book “Standing: Stand on Who You Were Created To Be.” In his acceptance note Edward said that as a student he strives to make impact in the classroom, amongst peers and through his entrepreneurial works.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am approaching graduation from Georgia Tech in December with a dual-degree Bachelors of Science in Biology and Applied Languages and Intercultural Studies with concentrations in Pre-Medicine and Spanish. Over the last summer, I interned at Bayer Pharmaceuticals as an Upstream Process Development Intern in Berkeley, California. After graduation, I plan on taking a gap year to conduct biotechnology research while I apply to medical school. Outside of school, I actively speak to youth audiences on topics such as self-empowerment, education, socioemotional health, and anti-bullying awareness. In the Spring of 2020 I published my first book “Standing: Stand on Who You Were Created To Be“, a self-empowerment book for Gen Z and Millenials. Additionally, I tutor students in Spanish Language and STEM-related subjects.

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

21CL gave me the confidence to step into leadership roles and speak to large crowds without any fear. Before participating in 21CL, I did not have exposure to programs to enhance my professional development skills. I grew up in rural South Georgia, and participating in programs like 21CL was rare and unheard of. Coming to Atlanta and being on Georgia Tech’s campus while at TVYMI [a summer leadership institute], I felt inspired to think outside of the box and take advantage of every single opportunity that was placed in front of me. My experience at TVYMI encouraged me to apply to Georgia Tech, and this is one of the reasons why I am a student here today! In addition, I gained more confidence in speaking in professional settings as well as networking.  It also felt great to be surrounded by a diverse group of like-minded peers, many of whom I still keep in contact with to this day. I will always cherish my experience at 21CL because for the first time, as a sophomore in high school, I saw what I was capable of, and was forever changed from that moment on.

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 2015 Turner Voices Youth Media Institute (TVYMI), currently known as WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders, at Georgia Tech and the 2017 Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit hosted at Emory University. One of the key skills that I learned at TVYMI is how to operate in a team and to create formal presentations. As a Biology and Spanish major, I often have to present research presentations and by participating in 21CL, I learned my stage presence and how to articulate key points from my presentation. In addition, I have served on Georgia Tech’s African American Student Union Executive Board as Community Outreach Co-Chair. I was able to incorporate the team-building skills learned at 21CL while being on an E-board. Equally as important, I learned how to operate in professional settings. As a Georgia Tech Student Ambassador, I often interact with alumni and school faculty in business and social settings. My experience at 21CL prepared me to network and interact in corporate environments at a young age. Learning certain skills such as a firm handshake, making eye contact, and even knowledge of conversation starters assisted me greatly stepping into the student ambassador role. The skills learned during my experience as a 21CL student have greatly helped me in professional conferences, corporate internships, and during interviews.

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

 My ‘aha’ moments in 21CL came from first arriving at the 2015 TVYMI and interacting with like minded peers from diverse backgrounds. For the first time in my life, I met people that had similar interests and goals. Coming from a small town, I had big dreams, and oftentimes, felt alone because not many people around me thought the way I did. The initial moments at TVYMI showed me that outside of my hometown, there is a community of like minded peers that have big dreams to cultivate change throughout the state of Georgia and the entire 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!

Absolutely! 21CL taught me a lot about servant leadership and how to be an effective and emotionally intelligent leader.  The realization that leadership is more about lifting others up as you climb than it is being on a platform came while participating in 21CL. During the speed networking events, I would see professionals take time to serve and pour into students. Seeing this at 16 inspired me to lead in the same way. Throughout my undergraduate leadership positions, I found myself in spaces where I am serving underclassmen or grade school students.

I was even able to find ways to serve students from where I grew up. This fall, I gave two academic book scholarships to African-American Male students from Southwest Georgia from my book. My experience at 21CL gave me the fundamental skills to become an effective leader, and over time these skills grew into what they are today.

Alumni Spotlight: Maimuna Gassama

21CL Alumna Maimuna Gassama is our first spotlight for November 2021. A graduate of Cross Keys High School (2015), of St. John’s University (2019) and of Johns Hopkins University (2021), she currently works as Senior Program Management Coordinator at The Kaizen Company, where she is in charge of managing projects in Jordan and Uganda that are funded by United States Agency for International Development- USAID . In this post, Maimuna shares about the lessons on leadership she learned from 21CL and how she has taken them onward throughout her undergraduate and graduate school, professionally, and in her day-to-day life. She enjoys mobilizing people towards bigger goals and ensures everyone’s ideas and strengths are cultivated to produce the best results!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I’m a recent graduate of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, where I received my Master’s Degree in international economics and conflict management. After graduation, I worked with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) on emergency refugee work. Now, I work as a senior program management coordinator at the Kaizen Company – Tetra Tech. The Kaizen Company is an international development consulting firm and an incubator for innovative, scalable solutions that address emerging market challenges and opportunities. In this role, I assist in managing two USAID (United States Agency for International Development) projects in Jordan and Uganda.

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

One of the most important lessons I learned from 21CL was the importance of paying it forward. I was overwhelmed by the kindness and encouragement from all the volunteers and 21CL staff at all 21CL events. They were all so generous with their time and were all genuinely committed to seeing us succeed and thrive. Those experiences have encouraged me to continue “paying it forward” in any way I can. I served as a mentor during undergrad, supporting incoming first-year students from minority backgrounds, and currently serve as a mentor with Diplomatic Perspective, an initiative to increase minority representation in international affairs. Apart from mentoring, I work in the international development space. The idea of paying it forward directly coincides with my work today. The projects I work on are in partnership with USAID. So, my work also provides opportunities to support efforts that lay down foundations that improve people’s lives and allow people everywhere to succeed.

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 quite a few different 21CL programs. I attended Leadership Unplugged currently known as Warner Media Institute for Future Leaders (2013) and the EarthCare Summer Leadership Institute (2014). I was also a member of the Youth Advisory Council and Board, then went on to be a Turner Voices intern at CNN Newsource after graduating high school.

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 loved being social throughout all of the 21CL camps, but I was TERRIFIED of public speaking. I convinced myself that I was okay with being in the background. Sure, leaders don’t have to be the loudest in the room, but they need to be ready to step up if required. During the EarthCare Summer Leadership Institute, right before our final presentations, one of my group members suggested we perform a “rap” in place of a PowerPoint presentation. We huddled, brainstormed, and came up with an AMAZING rap, but like me, all my group members were terrified of public speaking, and therefore uncomfortable with performing the rap. I mustered up all the courage my 17-year-old self had and rose to the challenge. I volunteered to perform the rap alone on the condition that we’d include additional parts in our presentation so everyone could be involved.  The rap and the presentation were such a success that my team won the “EarthCare challenge!”

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?

21CL taught me a lot about my leadership style. My experiences with the students from my 21CL cohorts collectively encouraged me to be more of a visionary leader. 21CL taught me the value of collaboration to produce excellent work AND the importance of supporting and respecting all group members when working on collaborative efforts. It’s why I’m a leader dedicated to always lifting as I climb and making sure to always pay it forward. I’ve taken the lessons 21CL taught me about leadership to undergrad, throughout graduate school, professionally, and in my day-to-day life. I enjoy mobilizing people towards a vision and a big picture goal, then ensuring everyone’s ideas and strengths are cultivated to produce the best results.

Alumni Spotlight: Emily Jackson

21CL Alumna Emily Jackson, better known by her artist name EmmoLei Sankofa, is our Alumni Spotlight for October 2021. A graduate of Westlake High School (2008), of Hampton University (2012) and of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) (2014), Emily is an emerging talent and active voice among the next generation of music industry leaders. She and her work have been featured on various platforms, including Lyrical Lemonade, LANDR, Saint Heron, OC Weekly, The Recording Academy, Gender Amplified, Billboard, and more. She is an alumna of The Recording Academy’s 2021 NEXT program. In her post, Emily says that she is grateful to 21CL for creating a hub for future leaders to grow and learn from each other. She was one of the 21CL Alumni who volunteered at the 2021 Charity Golf Outing this month and was one of the sponsors of the game!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am Emily Jackson, better known as EmmoLei Sankofa, an American composer, producer, musician, and artist whose work stretches across music, visual media, and fine art. A 2021 Sundance Composers Lab Fellow, I had the opportunity to work closely with Film and Television composers on my craft. Creative Advisors for the intensive include Kathryn Bostic, Laura Karpman, Blake Neely, Heather McIntosh, George S. Clinton, Mychael Danna, Jeff Rona, and Christopher Willis. I have collaborated with some of the best emerging and award-winning filmmakers, including Rhea Dillion, Jonathan Lewis, Imani Dennison, Sekani Solomon, Ajiri Akpolo, and more. My original music has been heard via screenings at HBO, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Lionsgate, Warner Bros., the Oakland Museum of California, and film festivals in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Savannah, Baltimore, Las Vegas, Laughlin, and beyond. I have also worked with top brands like Nike, Vans, Buzzfeed, Pandora, Kamala Harris for the People, Pulse Films, and more via my creative audio company, Bèl Son.

My discography encompasses over twenty-one independently released albums, EP’s, and singles collectively and embodies a mixture of genres but often integrates soul, jazz, classical, and rhythm and blues. My single, “Don’t Fight,” was recently included on Adult Swim’s OPUS compilation album. As a musician, I have performed with Nelly, Ella Mai, Kurt Schneider, and more and recently had her debut performance as a solo act on Mobley’s “Devil in a Daydream” Virtual Tour. I was invited to participate in the 2021 “Songs of Pride” songwriting camp, hosted by Universal Music Publishing Group, where I collaborated with emerging songwriters/artists Amanda Cygnaeus and Nate Traveller.

I just wrapped the score for Horror Noire, a six-story anthology film, due to release on Oct. 28th on Shudder, the upcoming season of Step Up: Highwater on Starz alongside Stephanie Economou, and I am currently working on a docu-series at Amazon.

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

During my high school years, I participated in the Winter Summit, Fall summits, in the 21CLub at Westlake HS and in the Summer Leadership Institutes. 21st Century Leaders was a step in the journey and a piece of my story. It gave me a space to nurture relationships, refine my leadership skills, and get in the practice of giving back to my community.

How did the skills/tools/perspectives you acquired from 21CL prepare you for your next steps, going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism?

21st Century Leaders really taught me the importance of and connection between leadership and service.

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

I do cherish all of the community service events we did. The one that jumps out at me immediately is when we repainted the main stage at Dad’s Garage Theater and now, my fiancé has a mural on the side of their building – Full circle moment! I also really cherish other simple projects that made big impacts like clearing Kudzu at the Atlanta Food Bank and painting single family homes with Habitat for Humanity.

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 always been a leader, so I believe the most important thing 21st Century Leaders did was to connect and expose me to future leaders and people that I could look to as I refined my leadership style. Creating a hub for future leaders to grow and learn from each other introduced a synergy that the world is feeling the impact of today.

Alumni Spotlight: Alicia Owens

Our Alumni Spotlight for August 2021 is Alicia Owens, a graduate of South Gwinnett High School (2017) and of Georgia State University (2020). She currently works as Program Manager at 21st Century Leaders Inc. Even at a young age, Alicia has been one of the lead 21CL alumni volunteers serving as chaperone, a summer application reviewer, and has served on the Summer Leadership Team as a mentor for all four Summer Leadership Institutes in 2020. She has just enrolled in a Master of Science in Education for Sport Administration program at the University of Miami and wants to use her knowledge and skills to help women and people with disabilities reach further into the world of sports. 

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I’m currently working as the Program Manager for an organization called 21st Century Leaders, have you heard of it? 🙂

I joined the team full time in April after a few months of stressful job searching post graduation, and I’m thrilled to be giving back to 21CL in a new capacity. I graduated from Georgia State University in December of 2020 with a BA in Journalism, so I was initially looking at reporting jobs when I found the posting for this position. I applied because I knew I would enjoy working with 21CL again, and I didn’t expect anything to happen, but now that I’m in this role I’m reconsidering the direction I want my career to go. In college I had been hoping for a future in sports journalism, but now I want to use the skills I’m learning with 21CL to work on the operations side of sports.

That’s how I ended up looking into Master’s programs, and I’ve just been accepted to attend the University of Miami for an online Master of Science in Education for Sport Administration. I’ll continue to work full time and grow as a professional with my role at 21CL, but I’m excited to go through my classes and find ways to connect my work now with what I want to do in the future. I hope to use my experience working with people from diverse backgrounds along with what I’ll learn through my degree so that someday I can help women and people with disabilities reach further into the world of sports.

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

Participating in my summer institute gave me so much confidence in myself and my skills, and I’ve carried that feeling with me ever since. I wasn’t necessarily shy before 21CL, but I wasn’t the first to step up and ask a question or the first to share an idea before my institute. Knowing that 21CL saw something in me showed me that what I had to say was important. It also helped me solidify what career field I wanted to go into, because I knew I wanted to write, but I didn’t know how I could do that and make money. Meeting professionals who were writing for TV shows or contributing to articles at CNN let me know that if I worked hard enough, I could be in their position someday.

Attending my institute helped me decide to study journalism in college, and I ended up with an internship at CNN Sports in my junior year thanks to the advice and networking opportunities I got through 21CL. Almost every day that I was at work, I was reminded of my time with 21CL and everything I learned during my institute. I even remembered the layout of one of the studios we toured, and it made the other intern in my department jealous that I could get up there without getting lost in our first few weeks.

Being part of 21CL didn’t just help me professionally, though. As I mentioned, I gained so much confidence thanks to my institute, but my curiosity about the world grew and I became a more understanding person because of that experience. There are so many big moments from my institute that I could point to and say “that changed my life,” but there are just as many smaller moments that had the same lasting effect. I was so inspired after that week that I knew I wanted to come back and volunteer as soon as I could, and being a volunteer helped me see how awesome it could be to work with this team full time. There are countless ways that 21CL has transformed me, and I know that work is not done, so I’ll stay curious as I wait for what’s to come.

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 to enter the professional world with a blueprint of what I should be doing. I didn’t know everything (still don’t) but I knew where to start, and I had ideas of where I wanted to go along the way. That helped me as I went through college and tried to find opportunities that would not only be fun, but also help me further my career. I joined the student newspaper at GSU and held almost every role you could have before I was promoted to be a section editor. As a leader for my team of video-journalists I found myself working alongside them rather than “above” them. The servant leadership mindset that 21CL instilled in me was subconsciously coming out, and it made my team a more successful, collaborative group than it had been in the past. I try to be a servant leader wherever I go, and it’s been very beneficial to have that mindset.

And salsa night made me the unofficial dance instructor for my friends a time or two.

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

In 2016 I attended what is now the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders, and I learned for the first time how important it is to network. Having direct access to professionals at CNN and Turner/WarnerMedia is a big deal, so I tried my best to connect with them in person and then follow up later. When I got to college and started working with the newspaper, networking helped me get the best stories I possibly could. Then during my internship with CNN, I wasn’t afraid to connect with people who worked where I wanted to be someday. It was so much easier, and so much more comfortable, to connect with these professionals thanks to the experience I had 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.?

I remember so clearly one of the sessions at Turner where the speaker asked us to come up with a life motto. I think it had to be 10 words or less, and here I was with my newfound confidence, so my hand shot up to be the first to share. Speaking to writers for TV shows and reporters from CNN instilled the importance of telling stories in my mind, but hearing from other professionals and executives about the importance of finding what you’re good at and making a career out of it helped me come up with the perfect motto for myself. I decided on “tell your story the way only you can” and it stuck with me because it reminded me of everything I learned that week. The funny thing is, it’s come up several times in my life since. My favorite class in college was all about telling stories, and I found myself focusing on the story of my life as I applied to grad school. That was my “aha” moment, because it always finds me when I least expect it, and it reminds me of my time with 21CL and all that’s come my way since.

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 was able to put a name to servant leadership because of 21CL, and ever since I’ve tried to be one in each situation I’m in, whether it’s personal or professional. I learned to ask effective questions and have meaningful conversations so I could get the most out of each interaction, and I learned more than anything else to be open to new ideas.

Recently though, I heard something at one of our summer institutes this year that’s been at the front of my mind. The session was about being a disruptor, which isn’t always a bad thing. The speaker shared the definition which said a disruptor can cause radical change by means of innovation. The students were encouraged to come up with their own ideas of what they wanted to disrupt, and they were guided by the question “what would you do if you were not afraid?” That question stood out to me then, and I noticed it coming out in different iterations throughout the rest of our institutes. Each time I heard it, I thought, what change do I want to see in the world, or in myself? How can I make it happen, and what’s stopping me from doing that right now? If the answer is simply because I’m afraid, then that’s not a good excuse. I hope I can go through the rest of my life challenging myself to do things that scare me just a little bit, because those things usually yield the best experiences.

Alumni Spotlight: Justin Toliver

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

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alumni Spotlight: Morgan Lynn Phelps

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

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alumni Spotlight: Kalin Tate

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

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alumni Spotlight: Brianna Sims

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

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

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

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

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

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

21CL prepared me for both college and life after by teaching me how to network, cultivate professional relationships, and go after what I want. I learned the foundation of what leadership really is and learned a new outlook on what it means to be successful.

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

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

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

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

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

21CL taught me that there is no one definition of what leadership is. I’ve learned that there are many ways to lead successfully and it starts by believing in your own abilities and understanding that your perspective, your background, and what makes you different brings something new and special to every table that you sit at.

Alumni Spotlight: JoDeanah Noble

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

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alumni Spotlight: Akash Shah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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