Alumni Spotlight: Sharlesha Bennett Kofa

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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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: Jalen Q. Polk

Alumnus Jalen Polk is currently a fourth-year Economics major at University of Georgia (UGA) and is a graduate of Woodward Academy (2017).  During his high school years he participated in many of 21CL’s programs, and now gives back, recently serving on our summer leadership team as a staff member and alumni mentor for the summer leadership institutes in 2019 and 2020.

Jalen most recently received the UGA President’s 2021 Fulfulling the Dream Award at their annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Breakfast. The award recognizes individuals dedicated to making significant contributions to race relations, justice and human rights.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am currently a senior pursuing an Economics major at UGA. It is exciting, particularly due to the electives which I am enrolled in plus the opportunity to conduct research which has been a desire of mine since entering college. I am heavily involved on campus as it is a passion for me to give back to the spaces which uplifted me when I first stepped foot on this campus. I am the President of the Black Male Leadership Society currently on campus seeking to foster a sense of unity, strength, and love amongst black males on campus and throughout Athens.

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

I participated in 21st Century Leaders, and every step was uncomfortable. However, I gained confidence, insight, encouragement, and connections which have served as a solid foundation as I matriculated throughout high school and into college. It has transformed into a premiere opportunity for me to give back and truly examine my leadership capabilities. 21st Century Leaders is extremely service-oriented and intentional, so both mentors, speakers, and students are celebrating in a space of learning, growth, and diversity.

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 exposed me to a new friend circle who demonstrated to me the importance of being coachable and giving one’s very best! My experience within 21st Century Leaders was enhanced with the real world challenges we solved, and these simulations required teamwork and effective communication. 21CL prepared me today because I grew out of my shell by trying new risks and I also realized my creative capabilities.

Jalen pictured in the blue shirt as a student attending SYLI@Goizueta in 2016.

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

I participated in the SYLI@Goizueta in 2016 and in the school-year leadership summits in 2016 and 2017. I also served as a Youth Ambassador during my senior year. These programs helped me improve in my openness as there were others who genuinely wanted to learn from me and share more about themselves. The relationships which formed at this organization are going strong until today! I am forever grateful.

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

A memorable moment in 21CL was when I was working on a project, and I was incredibly nervous to mention my idea. However, my team was more than receptive and they took my idea, ran with it, and added to it. I was impressed with our end result and amazed by how we all played a team effort. My investment was necessary no matter how many times I counted myself out in my own head!

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!

Leadership is not about me, but it is sincerely about leading others. Leadership is not consuming a position or working in any interest separate of the followers who look up to that person in leadership. Leadership will always be based on action, and I believe there should be a desire to lead others.

Youth Ambassador Starts Nonprofit, Donates to 21CL

 21st Century Leaders’ Youth Ambassador Gautam Desai (Class of 2020, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology), is modeling the way of service-oriented leadership with his non-profit Kids for Chess. He founded his organization in the spring and this summer hosted its first chess camp for elementary and middle school students.

Through Kids for Chess, Gautam is encouraging youth to make productive use of their time and developing their critical thinking skills. Not only did he garner sponsorships and support from local businesses, he is also donating proceeds from the camps to other charities (Rainbow Village in Duluth, GA and Save the Children) and to 21st Century Leaders, who he says inspired and equipped him to start his nonprofit and give back to the community.

Read the Gwinnett Daily Post’s article about him at https://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/local/good-news-from-schools-gsmst-student-holds-chess-camp/article_6611a8e1-8685-5e82-91d1-d969f021c53f.html

To learn more about Kids for Chess, visit https://kidsforchess.org

Way to go, Gautam! Thank you for giving back and being an inspiration.