Sharlesha Bennett Kofa is a graduate of Midtown High School (2009) and currently a third year Bachelor of Science Degree student at Clayton State University. She is a homeschooling mother of three beautiful children and works for Newton and Rockdale Counties, working on family and youth programs. Sharlesha is passionate about community service and volunteering, and she was one of our alumni volunteers at 21st Century Leaders’ 2022 Leaderboard at The River Club Charity Golf Event!
“There is a saying that goes like, “You’re only as strong as your Network” and 21st Century Leaders taught me how to navigate professional environments and build those strong and lasting networks.” ~Sharlesha Bennett Kofa
Paint a brief picture about yourself and what you are doing now.
Currently, I am a third year Bachelor of Science Degree student at Clayton State University majoring in psychology and human services. Last fall I started working as an Intern for Newton County Family Connections in Covington, Georgia; I also work closely with the Newton/Rockdale County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Newton County Substance Abuse Coalition. One of the most exciting things I am doing at the moment is assisting Newton County’s Youth Action Team on an annual Kick-The-Habit Prevention Event. It’s through my internship advisor that I was able to make great connections that have led me to several community outreach volunteer opportunities.
Outside of school and volunteering, I am very passionate about total mind and body wellness. I enjoy working out and reading lots of motivational uplifting books.
How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?
I am naturally a very shy person but experiences gained from participating in 21st Century Leaders during my high school years helped me gain the confidence needed to step out of my comfort zone and put my best foot forward. At the time, I didn’t realize the kind of impact it would make on me but I can confidently say that I entered the “real” world knowing how to dress properly and conduct myself in professional settings. There is a saying that goes like, “You’re only as strong as your Network” and 21st Century Leaders taught me how to navigate professional environments and build those strong and lasting networks.
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 Winter Leadership Weekend, now known as Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit, in 2008 and 2009. I also participated in the 21CLub at my school. Another important skill that I acquired and took with me to college and that has also been very beneficial is to be proactive and to take the initiative. Sometimes being the first person in a group setting to speak up and introducing yourself can make all the difference.
What’s your 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.?)
I will never forget standing in front of a full room together with my group members and having to speak in public for the very first time. In one of those public speaking sessions, we had learned to try to minimize the number of times we say “umm,” so when we got on the podium I kept repeating in my head over and over again, “Do not say ‘Umm’,” and by the time it was my turn to speak I had almost forgotten what I was supposed to say; but I was still able to pull it together and my group did an amazing presentation.
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! I learned about community service and acquired great skills necessary for effective leadership, indeed “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!”
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