My favorite thing about 21CL is the opportunity their programs create for the young students to learn, see and experience situations in the industry they want to be in. The experience of meeting Coca-Cola business executives for a student who wants to study business is very empowering! Seeing the NBA on TNT set and getting to walk on set for a student who wants to be a broadcaster or cinematographer is an unbelievable experience.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Our first Alumni Spotlight for this year is Ousman Sahko Sow, who was a member of our 21Club at Langston Hughes High School back in 2010 and participated in 21CL programs throughout high school, including “Leadership Unplugged: a CNN Experience” which is now known as the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders. Ousman is the co-founder of Blacktag that is dedicated to helping Black creators have a platform to explore their creativity and be connected with world-class brands.
“The best tool I took from 21CL was the ability to break the ice and engage with anyone. Without all the activities we regularly participated in, which all focused on people and engagement, I would not be the conversationalist I am today which is one of the best foundational skills you can have as an entrepreneur.” – Ousman Sahko Sow
Paint a brief picture of what you’re doing now.
I am the co-founder of a media and technology platform called Blacktag. It is a creator driven platform, specifically for alternative Black creators. You can think of it as a hybrid of Netflix and YouTube, combining original studio content with user generated content in a dedicated home for underserved Black audiences.
How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?
In high school, I had never really seen or heard of anything that empowered young individuals who were interested in entrepreneurship. I had always been interested in starting my own business and was an overachiever from a young age, so being around like-minded individuals made me feel inspired. One of the most transformative aspects for me was realizing a different career path, one that was different from the traditional ones of medicine or law, and that was a viable and realistic option for me. Recognizing this gave me the ability and a lot of confidence to go into the entertainment space where I could build something extraordinary.
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 specifically by helping me have an experience at CNN and land an internship there while still in high school! During the summer leadership institute they brought in leaders from CNN to talk to us, and they provided insights into what life is actually like in their career field. I had always been interested in TV so meeting folks in that industry and offering their thoughts really prepared me to seriously consider that industry for my career. One of the things I noticed was the excitement these folks had for their career, showing me that it’s possible to do what you love as an adult. The best tool I took from 21CL was the ability to break the ice and engage with anyone. Without all the activities we regularly participated in, which all focused on people and engagement, I would not be the conversationalist I am today which is one of the best foundational skills you can have as an entrepreneur.
Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?
In 2010, I had the opportunity to participate in Leadership Unplugged: a CNN experience, and also had an internship with CNN coordinated through 21CL. While I learned a great deal of skills along the way, the experience itself offered me a lot of insight for my career. I was able to witness and immerse myself into the entertainment industry with folks just like me. It may not sound significant, but this was the first time I really saw myself in an entertainment based career and had the confidence to do so because of my time as an intern.
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 we had a 21CL dance off; all the groups got together and no one cared if you messed up or looked funny, it was just meant to be a fun time. I was pretty shy at the time so to participate in something out of my comfort zone pushed me to open up and in turn I gained a lot of confidence.
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 remember Bob, who was the Executive Director at the time; very charming, charismatic, always himself, and incredibly passionate about learning. He always made it a priority to get to know everyone in the program and recognize each participant for their abilities and achievements. Bob’s leadership style had a huge impact on me because I got to experience firsthand the impact of a leader who was constantly engaged and that’s ultimately the style I bring to my team.
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:
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.
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!
Our second alumni spotlight for January 2020 is Brandon Ona, a graduate of Mill Creek High School (2012) and of The George Washington University (2016). He currently works as an Associate International Trade Manager at Georgia Department of Economic Development where he has been working since 2017 after his previous work at The White House! Brandon has recently joined the 21CL Junior Board of Directors.
Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.
Since graduating college, I have worked in the public sector for both federal and state government. Today, I work for the Georgia Department of Economic Development and my role is to help small businesses in Georgia access economic opportunities in countries around the world. I always try to find time to volunteer at 21CL events where I provide my experience to students currently in the program and share the incredible opportunities that being a part of 21CL has opened up to me; I have just started serving on the 21CL Junior Board of Directors and my hope is to continue inspiring young people, and to share my message that the “secret to success” for a meaningful career is to find out who you care about the most and what you are best at, and when you put the two together, you change the game for everyone else.
How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?
I participated in the 2011 Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience (now called the Youth Media Institute) program with 21CL, a program that was designed to develop our leadership skills through the lens of journalism. From the moment I arrived, I was eager to meet the other young leaders, who like myself, were high school students from Georgia. However, as I got to know my new peers, I quickly learned that we all had different stories despite having so much in common.
Admittedly at the time, and still to this day, I had no interest in making a career in journalism, let alone being a leader in this field. However, during the program, we learned how to lead with curiosity to find the common thread through our diverse stories. This is when the leadership skills through journalism came into play and changed my life. In many ways, I learned how to relate and connect with others, while admiring what sets us apart. To me this was, and very much still is the ultimate lesson in leadership, and I am so grateful to have learned this as a young person. As a 21st Century Leader, I realized for the first time that leadership is finding what is unique and universal in all of us, and knowing that our diversity is what propels us forward. This is a principle I have carried with me ever since, and has led me to opportunities I could never have imagined possible if it was not for a 21CL program.
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?
One of my biggest takeaways from 21CL was the importance of being of service to others. I took this to heart, and upon graduating high school, pursued a career in public service with the hopes of working in and with government entities to help everyday people live more fulfilling lives. One incredible opportunity/accomplishment that came from this was early on in my career. The day after I graduated college, I was appointed to serve as an aide at The White House’s Office of Management and Budget. In this role, I helped move various aspects of the President’s agenda forward, most of which were focused on helping Americans get back on their feet during the economic recovery that followed the Great Recession.
Throughout my career as a public servant at both the federal and state level of government, the core of the work I do is trying to understand the challenges people face, the hopes they hold, and the environment in which they live, to figure out how I and the institution I work for can be of service to them. All of which are leadership skills I began to learn with 21CL. 21CL set forth the momentum for me to be prepared for the incredible opportunity of working for the President of the United States on behalf of the American people.
Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?
I participated in both a summer leadership institute and school-year program. One important skill I gained from these programs was authentic storytelling. Being able to listen and learn someone’s story and tell it truthfully through the work I do has been invaluable in my life.
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 moment I will never forget from the program was watching a few of my peers on live television getting interviewed CNN en Español with the headline that translated to “meet the leaders of tomorrow.” It was so inspiring to watch them and know that even though we met just two days ago, they are now having an impact on 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!
The single most important skill I learned at 21CL was leading with curiosity- learning people’s stories and figuring out how I can be of service to them, or work with them to be of service to others. In recent years, I have learned that leading with curiosity does not necessarily feel like you are a “very important leader.” Instead, in the moment, you feel like a person who really wants to help someone else simply because you care. In fact, often times the last thing you think is that you are leader. However, when you lead with curiosity, you move someone’s life forward, which moves the world forward even in the smallest way.
Our second Alumni Spotlight for November 2019 is Amira Daugherty, a graduate of DeKalb Early College Academy (2016) and of Agnes Scott College (2019). She served as the President of Agnes Scott College’s Student Government Association for the 2017-2018 school year and this past summer, Amira worked for a Georgia Congressman and now serves as the Deputy Finance Director for Carolyn Bourdeaux’s campaign. Her professional accomplishments exemplify her ability to mix personal achievement and servant leadership.
Amira says that 21st Century Leaders taught her to step out of her comfort zone in order to lead effectively. She aspires to become an attorney and run for public office!
Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.
My aspirations since I was a 21st Century Leader, is to become an attorney and run for public office and 2019 has been largely about ensuring these dreams come into fruition. This summer, I was named an MPAC Congressional Leadership Development Fellow and a Women’s Congressional Staff Foundation Scholar, both of which afforded me the opportunity to serve as an intern in the office of Congressman Hank Johnson. Currently, I serve as the Deputy Finance Director for Carolyn Bourdeaux, who is running for Congress to bring equity to healthcare, education, and accessible living.
How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?
21st Century Leaders’ training prepared me to be confident in a myriad of settings. From learning to present before Turner executives, to being trained on how to properly approach a standard three-course business dinner, 21CL exposed me to the world I am aiming to become a part of at a young age.
How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?
21st Century Leaders emphasized the importance of servant leadership both inside and outside of the classroom. As a student, I felt compelled to lead classroom discussions, help lay ground rules for constructive dialogue, and to approach projects from a different angle than expected. As a student leader, I joined organizations that were not directly aligned with my own issues, as 21CL reminded us to reach outside of our comfort zones in order to lead effectively. I ultimately rose to the position of SGA President, making me the first Muslim student in the school’s history to do so. 21CL’s belief in me was undoubtedly a part of my development into the type of leader who could take on that role.
Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?
I participated in both Leadership Unplugged:A CNN Experience and the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute (now the WarnerMedia Youth Media Institute). I gained a lot of insight on media, and how to properly navigate this world as an aspiring public servant.
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 made several life-long friends in 21CL, particularly from my work groups and teams! I am so inspired to see them still aspiring to lead in their communities, and it is such an honor to have been a part of their journey.
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 have always believed in the power of servant leadership, but 21st Century Leaders was one of the first organization to give me a name for it. Every position I have held has required me to sit back and listen far more than I speak, which has helped me better empathize with the people I serve. I believe that the training sessions I had in high school made me hyper-aware of the way taking the time to listen is such a powerful tool in a leader’s belt.
Chance Mack is our first alumni spotlight for September 2019! A graduate of Hillgrove High School (2009), and of Georgia State University (2014), Chance currently works as an Enterprise Account Executive at Diverst. He serves as Vice Chair on the inaugural 21CL Junior Board and runs a social enterprising shoe company called Unforgettable Soles. Chance says that 21CL had a profound impact on him and provided him with the foundation to be successful professionally and civically. He believes that leadership begins with faith, believing in something with a pure heart and treating people with respect!
Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.
I work in Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) for a tech company called Diverst. I am an Enterprise Account Executive. I help companies understand the value of technology to support their D&I strategy. In the community, I run a shoe company called Unforgettable Soles. We redistribute shoes to under-served parents and children. I also serve as the Vice Chair on the Junior Board of Directors for 21st Century Leaders.
How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?
Participating in 21CL has helped me develop as a leader and a professional while I was in high school. 21st Century Leaders gave me foundational principals about leadership and professional careers.
And how did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?
21CL helped me with my confidence. I’ve always been a social person, but before 21CL I would let others assume the lead. During my experiences with 21CL I learned how to lead with purpose and passion.
Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?
I participated in 21CL’s Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience in 2007 and acquired great skills in communication (written and verbal), marketing, brand management, and social responsibility.
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 biggest “aha” moment was collaborating on the final project. We had to create a business, think globally and think about community. I think that project helped me become the person I am today.
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 leadership begins with faith. If you believe in something with a pure heart and you treat people with respect, people will follow you.