Alumni Spotlight: Camaran Henson

Camaran Henson, a graduate of Brookwood High School (2012) and of the United States Naval Academy (2017), currently works as the Vice President, Global Program Manager at Citigroup and is a former Naval Officer who served in the US Navy for more than ten years. While in high school, Cam participated in one of 21st Century Leaders’ Summer Leadership Institutes, the media- and technology-focused program sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery (formerly Turner) known at the time as Leadership Plugged-In. In this post he shares how that training helped him throughout his high school years and after.

“Outside of sports, this was the first time I had to engage with peers for a desired outcome. As someone who “likes to do it all” this experience gave me insight on how to rely on and trust in my team.” – Camaran Henson

Paint a brief picture of yourself and what you are doing now.

After graduating high school, I attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. While there I earned my Bachelor of Science in Economics. Following graduation, I was commissioned into the navy as a Naval Officer. I had the opportunity to serve in the Navy for an additional 6 years and led teams of 30-300 personnel. I have now transitioned out of the naval service and work as a Vice President, Global Program Manager at Citi. In this role I serve as an internal consultant to Citi’s transformation goals.

When were you in high school and which 21CL programs did you participate in?

While in high school in 2010, I participated in a 21CL summer camp program known as Leadership Plugged-In at Georgia Institute of Technology.

How has your career unfolded and how did participating in 21CL help prepare you for your next steps going to college, taking on a new leadership role in community/college and after?

21CL was my first exposure to networking with peers outside of the classroom. It gave me the opportunity to work with individuals with different backgrounds at an early age in my life and the networking and interpersonal skills I learned guided me through my time at the Naval Academy and beyond!

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.)

While at the 21CL camp I had to work with a group to do a presentation. Outside of sports, this was the first time I had to engage with peers for a desired outcome. As someone who “likes to do it all” this experience gave me insight on how to rely on and trust in my team.

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

Recently I have learned that leadership is to try and look at situations from another person’s perspective.

What advice would you give to a current or future student?

Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Take on challenges and utilize this time in your life to work out the “kinks.” Step outside of your comfort and challenge yourself in the areas that you think you need to develop.

How would you describe 21CL in three words?

Insightful, Engaging and FUN!

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: Rosalba Mazzotta

Rosalba Mazzotta, is a graduate of Campbell High School (2020) and currently a 3rd-year Biochemical Engineering student at the University of Georgia who intends to pursue a Double Dawgs accelerated master’s in Biochemical Engineering researching the combustion of Biofuels under Dr. Brandon Rotavera. She serves as president of the UGA Chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), and as a College of Engineering student ambassador. In 2022, she worked as a decarbonization intern at General Electric- Gas Power. During high school Rosalba participated in several of 21CL programs. “I want to say that the school you go to doesn’t matter as much as what you do there. What does matter most is the community that you build and what you do with them. Finding a place where you can grow and have access to opportunities is very important.” ~Rosalba’s advice to high school students

Paint a brief picture about yourself and what you are doing now.

I am a 3rd-year Biochemical Engineering student at the University of Georgia. I intend to pursue a Double Dawgs accelerated master’s in Biochemical Engineering researching the combustion of Biofuels under Dr. Brandon Rotavera. I serve as president of the UGA Chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), and as a College of Engineering student ambassador and in 2022, I worked as a decarbonization intern at General Electric- Gas Power.

When were you in high school and which 21CL programs did you participate in?

I graduated from Campbell High School in Smyrna (2020) and during my high school years, I participated in several 21CL programs including: the Summer Youth Leadership Institute at Goizueta School of Business-Emory University in 2017, the Fall Summit-Leadership exCHANGE of 2018 and Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit in 2020.

How has your career unfolded and how did participating in 21CLhelp prepare you for your next steps going to college, taking on a new leadership role in community/college and after?

21CL taught me about the importance of mentorship. When I started going to UGA, the first thing that I did was register for the Mentor Program and join AIChE. My mentor worked for GE so in addition to receiving guidance on surviving my degree program, I learned more about the culture, and thanks to her influence I applied to my first internship there. At GE, I had to use several skills that I started to cultivate at SYLI- the biggest one is networking and talking to adults. My role and these skills put me in contact with people as important as one of the Vice Presidents for GE-Gas Power Americas who now knows my name AND my face.

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.?)

My most memorable moment from 21CL is the Business Case Study competition during the 2020 Winter Summit also known as Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit, I won a mug from earning third place with my team- how could I forget it? More than that, 21CL gave me a chance to practice problem-solving working with absolute strangers. During this training, I found out that I like the process of putting together a solution and figuring out how to present it. I’m not job-hunting yet, but when I get there I will be looking for a job where I can combine my passion for public speaking with technical knowledge.

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 most important thing about leadership that I learned during 21CL trainings and as a type-A person was to make space for quieter people. I have no problem speaking up, and in a group of people it is easy to lose the contributions of quieter people. I do my best to give others the space to talk and it has resulted in some great ideas!

What advice would you give to a current or future student?

With college admissions coming up, I want to say that the school you go to doesn’t matter as much as what you do there. What does matter most is the community that you build when you get to college and what you do with them. Finding a place where you can grow and have access to opportunities is very important. I however know that there are many things I would not have done if I were at a different school. Also, if you’re into science and engineering, visit UGA college of engineering for a tour!

How would you describe 21CL in three words?

Inspiring, dedicated, interesting

Alumni Spotlight: Timothy Parham

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

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Alumni Spotlight: Neil Patkar

Our Alumni Spotlight for August 2022 is Neil Patkar, a graduate of The Lovett School (2018), and of New York University (2022) in Business Finance. He works as Capacity Broker at Karbone, Inc., an energy finance company, facilitating efficiency trade in energy to businesses and cities. During his high school years, Neil attended several of our programs and in his post he shares how 21CL helped start off his professional career on a good footing!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I have recently graduated college at New York University, and I am working for Karbone, Inc., an energy finance company. My position is Capacity Broker, and I help in efficient trade of energy across the grid to businesses and cities that need electricity on demand and ensure that fewer blackouts occur.

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

21st Century Leaders greatly helped improve my social and networking skills. I can now confidently walk into any room and start a conversation with anyone. I also got to learn the importance of mentorship and seeking advice from more experienced professionals. Because of these skills, my interviews improved a great deal and I was able to land a client-facing position at a financial institution in New York City. In addition to all this, I met some very good friends with whom I am still connected with until today!

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 attended two summer programs: Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI) in 2017 and the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders -now Warner Bros. Discovery  Future Leaders Institute in 2016. I gained great social skills, educating myself by my own accord, and surrounding myself with good information and media. Through SYLI I learned how to network and I discovered a passion for business with a purpose beyond making money.

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

During my final day at SYLI, I learned the importance of appearance during presentations. I was ready to wear normal clothes to the week-long culminating presentation, but Dr. Jacque-Corey Cormier (I remember us calling him Doc Joc) told me that my shoes and full attire would make a big impact on my audience. I heeded his advice, and to this day I still believe you can make a big impact professionally when you dress better, and conduct yourself better than the average person.

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!

With 21CL I learned to be a compassionate leader that leads by example without criticizing others too harshly. Recently I have also learned that no matter how frustrated you are, as a leader, it is important to not lose your cool or do something you could regret later; you got to remember that everyone is watching you. Always keep a cool head no matter what and also be nice to others at all times!

Alumni Spotlight: Bridget Gorta

Our second Alumni Spotlight for August 2020 is Alumna Bridget Gorta, a graduate of Greenbrier High School (2007) and of Georgia Institute of Technology (2011). Bridget currently works as a Learning Delivery Manager at Deloitte. During the 2020 Virtual Summer Institutes,  Bridget volunteered as a Speaker at the SYLI Alumni Roundtables!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

After 8 years in Nashville, I just moved back to Atlanta in January (2020).  It’s nice to be home!  Professionally, I’m a Learning Delivery Manager at Deloitte for the Enabling Areas business.  It’s a project management-centric role and I lead a team based in the US and India that drives the logistics and communications for our Learning and Development programs.  We are now in a 100% virtual world, but for a while, we hosted programs at our local offices and our Leadership Center, Deloitte University.  I’m incredibly passionate about well-being, so I serve as a Well-being Wizard and have been active in the well-being workstreams for the Nashville and Atlanta Inclusion Councils.  I also occasionally facilitate our Orientation programs, which is a lot of fun!

Right now, I am making the best of our situation with COVID-19.  I love being outside hiking/walking, doing yoga, weightlifting, going to farmers markets, and hanging out with my dog, an 8 year old pug rescue named Reuben.  I recently started volunteering with the organization Concrete Jungle, and I hope to keep that up once a month.

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

It ended up helping me make my decision to go to Georgia Tech.  I had family and friends who went there, but it gave me a first-hand view of campus and empowered me to learn what else the Institute had to offer from a majors and career perspective.  I remember being in awe of how close campus was to Turner Studios and the CNN Center, which we toured during my 21CL experience.

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?

Collaborating with others really sticks out to me.  I remember it being one of my first group project experiences staying connected with others through email and technology with team members who were all across Georgia. We couldn’t meet up to work on tasks as you could for a traditional school project.  It’s amazing how this is how many of us, including myself, work on a daily basis now, especially in the COVID-19 landscape.

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

I attended a summer session called Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience (the first WarnerMedia-sponsored summer leadership institute, now known as the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders) together with Nicole Meadows – who now works at 21CL –  in 2006!

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.?

It exposed me to networking, which is something I enjoy and has been key to my career development and personal brand.

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, all my professional life has been about building networks that last-it’s my leadership style!

Alumni Spotlight: Brent Gills

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Alumni Spotlight: Brent Gills

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This month’s Alumni Spotlight features Brent Gills, who is currently an MA in Management/MIM student at Wake Forest University and founder of The Gills Consulting Group. Brent graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School in 2009 and has degrees in physics from both Hampton University and Florida A&M. He attended 21CL programs from 2007-2009, including the very first EarthCare, sponsored by Georgia Power.

At 21CL’s annual golf outing, Leaderboard at East Lake, on October 11, 2017, he shared his story about the opportunity given through 21st Century Leaders that led him to his passion for STEM careers and prepared him with skills for fruitful connections. Read his takeaways from being a 21st Century Leader, and his speech to call forth leadership and support for the 21CL community.

How did participating in 21CL change you and/or lead you to where you are now?

21CL taught me to have the confidence to actually go after the things I wanted. Without actually seeing people face to face that had the types of jobs I’d only read about, it’s hard to imagine yourself in some of those positions. You can say, “I’d like to be a VP or CEO in the future,” but I never truly believed it until I sat down and had a conversation with men and women who sat in those seats. You never know what things from 21CL you’ll actually ever need. I remember being at a Physics conference and actually sitting at the same table as a Nobel Laureate. If it weren’t for the table etiquette (both conversational and utensil) that I learned at camp, and trust me, it was definitely practiced at my home, I probably would have embarrassed myself in front of the people at the table. Instead, I’d had plenty of practice, so I was poised in my delivery.

What was a memorable ‘aha’ moment in 21CL?

I would have to say I had that moment after using a business card that we got at camp one summer. The gentleman I gave it to was so impressed that a young person took the time to have business cards made that he took his time to make sure I was successful during every part of college. That gentleman is still a mentor of mine today.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? What tools and perspectives have helped you along the way?

As I stated earlier, 21CL gave me the confidence I needed to actually know that I can and should be competing with EVERYONE out here no matter where they may come from. I’d been around leaders from all over the state, so when it came to running for Freshman class President or any other elected position while in undergrad, I was prepared. The organization also gave me a bridge into networking and why you actually do it. Learning to network is something that most people don’t get to learn about until they’re much older, and having those experiences in high school made me better prepared than my peers in both undergrad and graduate school.

What’s something you’ve recently learned about leadership?

I’m slowly learning how to say no. I’m always reading about how that’s the most important thing that effective leaders are good at.

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Brent’s Speech

“What is something that most people take for granted? Family? Time? Well, how about opportunity?—-And it’s a shame that so many of us take opportunity for granted. Because without it, we wouldn’t have the chance to do what we do or have the things we have.

Tonight, we’re not celebrating, but I want you all to see the gravity of the opportunities that you’ve been creating. We’re here so that you can know about the success that this program has had. The 21st Century Leaders Program’s goal is to empower the next generation so that they can encourage the generation behind them to go the extra mile for our world. If it weren’t for the British Physicist (or electrical engineer, whatever you engineers in the room want to refer to him as) Michael Faraday, who came from extremely humble beginnings, getting the opportunity to listen in on lectures and work as Sir Humphrey Davy’s secretary at the Royal Institute of Great Britain, we wouldn’t be enjoying the light that’s enabling all of us to see each other at this very moment. Georgia Power’s business is based on the work of Faraday and other physicists who were obsessed with electromagnetism at the time. While 21st Century Leaders has a goal to uplift the children in our communities, to exude leadership in their everyday lives, I want to set a goal for the rest of us: to never let the next great scientist or leader slip through the cracks.

Now let me take you all on a journey. The year was 2007 (goodness gracious so long ago right?). I was 16, had an un-nurtured love for science, but was known as the class clown because I did not take my future seriously. Then 21st Century Leaders and GA Power gave me the opportunity to attend an environmental sustainability/leadership camp (EarthCare).  What a combination, right? It was perfect for me, because I knew I had an interest in being a scientist, and I had the natural ability to lead teams of people. I learned about power, different sources of energy, leading and working in teams with people who might not look like I do or be from the same Decatur neighborhood as me. I learned about public speaking, business and leadership etiquette, teamwork, and most importantly, networking. I lost my fear of talking to people and asking for advice or help, which in my experience is the most important thing you can ask someone for.

21CL taught me how to seize opportunities, and I brought that with me in 2009 when I was a freshman at Hampton University studying physics but was uncertain, hesitant about my choice because of the stress associated with becoming a scientist… Let me add that when I went on my college visit, a fellow 21st Century Leader alum came along with me, which speaks to the strength of our network. Speaking of networks, I even met my mentor Dr. Ramsey Smith, by giving my 21st Century Leader business card. Dr. Smith, a chemical physicist at NASA, played an instrumental role in my development as a scientist. He said, “Brent, a day should not go by without you researching something for yourself. Think for yourself. Form your own opinions. Verify whatever you’re told.” After that conversation, I was confident in my choice of studying science and caring about the things that I did. I then knew that the time I put into my studies and research would be worth it. I got a chance to work in optics laboratories, do research on dark matter and energy. My eyes opened up because of one opportunity. Using many of the skills that I learned during my tenure as a 21st Century Leader, I was elected as SGA President at Hampton, where we initiated a Green campaign and brought 150% more recycling bins and other sustainability tools to our campus. But it started with opportunity. In Malcolm Gladwell’s book Tipping Point, he stated “small things can make a big difference.” One person who comes through this program can birth new opportunities, just as Michael Faraday did with the field of electromagnetism.

Opportunity is the major difference between a millionaire and a lower middle class American worker, even more so than effort. When someone gets an opportunity, they’re able to make something more of themselves…they’re able to see what’s available to them outside of their daily struggle. They have the choice to be successful or not, instead of their environment making that choice for them. If Robert Smith, the CEO of Vista Equity Partners wouldn’t have been the lucky kid from his town to attend Cornell for a summer engineering program, he wouldn’t have ever known what chemical engineering was, and hold the 5 patents that he holds today. Mr. Smith subsequently attended Columbia Business School and became the founder and chairman of one of the largest private equity firms in the world. If Albert Einstein wouldn’t have had the opportunity to work for the Swiss Patent Office, he wouldn’t have had the scientific background that he had, which means that he probably wouldn’t have theorized the special theory of relativity, which lead to us creating the atom bomb to win WW2 and us being able to use nuclear energy to power entire cities. What would’ve happened if Dr. Einstein wouldn’t have theorized the things he did?

Without opportunity, people cannot succeed. I don’t care how self-made you consider yourself to be…it just wouldn’t happen. I can definitely say that 21st Century Leaders gave me the opportunity to do some of the things I’ve done. I hold two degrees in physics and I’m now working on my MIM at Wake Forest University, while leading a consulting firm that a former professor and I started at the beginning of this year. My consulting firm, The Gills Consulting Group, focuses on STEM consulting and policy, and environmental sustainability, which is something I hold near to my heart.

I know that all of you are here because you care about your communities. You care about this world that we all live in. If it weren’t for people like you all, and Bob Watson, people like me wouldn’t have known the different fields within engineering, or be as concerned with our environment and how it works. I wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for the opportunities that were awarded to me through this very program. People like you empower others around you to reach higher, do bigger things, to take those extra steps…

Each of you in this room has had a door opened for you. It’s about reciprocating that gesture and making it so that more people can experience the successes that you have. Now, Isaac Newton said that energy cannot be created, nor destroyed. We already have a good bit of energy here in this room with 21st Century Leaders and we have to make it a priority to keep this energy flowing.”

FEEL INSPIRED TO SUPPORT 21CL – CLICK HERE

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Alumni Spotlight: Betts and Chet DeHart

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Alumni Spotlight: Betts and Chet DeHart

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Betts and Chet DeHart are 21-year-olds native to Atlanta. In 2012 they attended 21st Century Leaders’ Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI), a week-long summer institute focused around business leadership, and are now young leaders of their own business!  These two alumni are the founders and owners of Lucid FC, an international fashion brand stocked in boutiques, Urban Outfitters, and online. They’ve been featured in Esquire, Vogue, and The New York Times. They graduated in 2014 from Ben Franklin Academy and Riverwood International Charter School, respectively.

Earlier this month, they hosted a webinar about entrepreneurship in the fashion industry for our #WebinarWednesday series – the recording can be viewed here.

What is your business, Lucid FC, about?

Lucid FC is a young, forward fashion, life, and style curated by 21-year-old twins Betts and Chet DeHart. There are unique details and design in each piece. No products, styles, or labels compare to Lucid FC. From our patterns, to our cuts and fabrics, we create each piece from its start to its end. In our design process, we craft each item with care and honour. Lucid FC is balanced but different, edgy and symmetrical, and powerful yet simple.

Lucid FC was born in and is currently headquartered in Atlanta, yet we constantly create, work and draw inspiration in the streets of New York and London. While present in these cities, we became an international brand. Since the beginning, Lucid FC has become instantly recognizable because of our striking logo. Catching the eyes of each impression, the Lucid FC logo makes and “L” or “F” in every direction. Styles and visuals are a favorite amongst the biggest media outlets and fashion’s elite. Critically acclaimed worldwide, the twins keeps the world watching each season.

At Lucid FC, prep collides with streetwear and creates our signature style. Each product is designed by Chet DeHart, of renowned London fashion school Central Saint Martins. Betts is the business savvy twin that brings the brand to new heights across the world. Chet designs. Betts is all business. Lucid FC is more than just a brand; it represent a whole new generation, the 21st century’s creative sub-culture. Lucid FC is made with love for anyone and everyone. Lucid FC strives to bring forth concepts, products, and awareness to reach the title “superbrand of the new generation.”

How did participating in 21CL change you and/or lead you to where you are now?

We have kept relationships with fellow 21CL members. 21CL taught us better more to network and how to be a successful leader. One particular experience that inspired us was doing the  case studies with real life references, and some guest activities during our 21CL program. Being able to experience Coca-Cola’s business so in-depth was very insightful.

What was your most memorable moment in 21CL?

Getting real life experience, working with professionals and seeing how things work in the big world with leadership and business were a huge help.

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 tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL prepared us for our bright future by teaching us early on the essential business and leadership skills needed to stay around. It gives real life experience before you can hit the ground with your own feet. It teaches us how to have a voice.

What’s something you’ve recently learned about leadership?

No matter how small your team is, you can always use more help. In fact, the more people you have, the more leadership you will build and gain. Trust is also important in leadership.

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In their webinar, Betts and Chet go in-depth about their experience as young entrepreneurs, the steps between concept and creation, and the process of growth and persistence.

Check out the Lucid FC lookbook and shop the styles at their website here.

For even more inspiration, check out Lucid FC on social media!

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Alumni Spotlight: Manny Elsar, Jr.

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21CL Alumni Spotlight: Manny Elsar, Jr.

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You wouldn’t know it now, but before participating in 21st Century Leaders, Manny Elsar, Jr. held himself back from talking to the people he could learn from. Then, he attended Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience (which has since evolved into Turner Voices Youth Media Institute) in 2012, and the art of conversation was unlocked!

How did participating in 21CL change you and/or lead you to where you are now?

21CL was the catalyst to a number of leadership positions I’ve had on campus. Leadership Unplugged brought me out my comfort zone by introducing me to a different set of influential people in the field I wanted to go into in high school. (Funny enough, I don’t do anything in journalism in college but in the future I’d love to be on news shows like Bloomberg and CNNMoney discussing economic policies!) I think the number one thing that 21CL taught me was that networking is key in a work setting. If you don’t leave a business setting without learning the story of at least one person there, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

What was your most memorable moment in 21CL? 

My most memorable moment in 21CL was the salsa dancing! It was a nice way to unwind from the other aspects of the week, and it taught me something new that I’d never experienced before. This was four years ago, but I also remember meeting Carl Azuz.

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 tools or perspectives have helped you along the way?

One thing that 21CL does well on a consistent basis is making sure its students are prepared to enter the world as young professionals, no matter what field they enter. I distinctly remember feeling so empowered after the week at Georgia Tech because it showed me that people who looked like me and came from similar backgrounds like myself were not just living, but thriving in their careers. I’ve brought that sense of comradery I felt in 21CL and brought it to organizations that I’ve been a part of at UGA. 

A critical tool that I gained from 21CL was the ability to “work a room.” Before Leadership Unplugged, I was very timid and never really tried to break free from the mold that I created for myself (quiet, does well in school and nothing more). After 21CL, I remember my parents talking about how I became a lot more outgoing and willing to just talk to people. If there’s one thing that we can all improve on as young professionals, it’s the art of conversation. Knowing when to let other people guide the discussion or speaking up when it makes sense is a skill that I’m still honing to this day, but it never would have started without my experiences in 21CL. For that, I’m forever grateful.

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Manny Elsar, Jr. is a senior at the University of Georgia studying Economics & International Affairs with a minor in Spanish. He graduated from Etowah High School in 2013.

Manny took the lessons from his time in 21CL into many new opportunities where he could grow in personal and community leadership. In 2016 Manny was selected to be an Orientation Leader at UGA for matriculating freshmen, and in 2017 he reconnected with 21CL to serve as a volunteer leader to current 21CL students at the Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit!

Thank you, Manny, for inspiring us to seek a connection in any conversation and for sharing your leadership with 21CL!

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Alumni Spotlight: Natasha Walker

Natasha Walker, 21CL Alumna

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In 2016, Natasha joined the Summer Leadership Team as a returning alumna and shared her experience with the current students. She works at Turner and regularly volunteers with Marietta YELLS. She graduated from Marietta High School in 2012 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from Auburn University in 2016.

How did participating in 21CL change you and/or lead you to where you are now?

21st Century Leaders was my first exposure to professionalism and networking. I’ve been able to build my network on LinkedIn since high school. This doesn’t seem like a big deal, but some of my peers are just now learning about it. Through 21st Century Leaders I was also exposed to companies and business partners I could one day work for. In fact, now I’m employed at Turner.

What was your most memorable moment in 21CL? 

I enjoyed the ropes course at EarthCare, speaking at the closing ceremony at EarthCare, and the case competition during the Winter Leadership Weekend (Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit). I had a great time as a student, but it wasn’t until I came back to work the summer leadership programs this past summer, in 2016, that I really felt impactful. It’s awesome to know that I can help some young leaders in the way that I was helped and to work alongside some of my former leaders as their peer.

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 tools or perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL taught me that leaders aren’t born, they are made. You may be a great leader already, but there is always an opportunity for growth. As a student at Auburn University, I chose to not only excel academically, but also to be a part of change on my campus. I served as Administrative Vice President for the Black Student Union, as a Resident Assistant, an Ambassador for the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, an Orientation Leader for International Students and more. If it wasn’t for the strong foundation and practice with 21CL in high school, I wouldn’t have been allotted as many opportunities or as prepared to interview for those positions.

What’s something you’ve recently learned about leadership?

Leaders give back. As a young professional it’s easy to feel like you’re struggling to find your next move and the ways to grow in your current position, but strong leaders give back. It’s important to continue to create opportunities to meet new people in your field. I’ve met so many people simply by reaching out and they are usually willing to give me information about their positions and introduce me to other people I should meet who can help me grow as well. [/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”” class=”” id=””/][fusion_text]Thank you, Natasha, for sharing your leadership lessons and giving back to 21CL as a summer leadership team member! Here’s to more growth and being a part of change!

 

Alumni, check out the 21st Century Leaders Alumni group on LinkedIn for a summer photo from the archives.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]