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.