I believe 21CL plays a pivotal role in the holistic development of the youth. They empower students by providing them with essential leadership skills, fostering self-confidence, and nurturing a sense of responsibility; students gain valuable experience in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, all of which are fundamental aspects of effective leadership.
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For our 35th anniversary, we’ll be sharing the stories of 35 alumni showcasing the leaders they are today and how 21st Century Leaders inspired and impacted their journey. Alumni will represent the 3.5 decades since our founding in 1989 – the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. Take a read and be inspired!
1990’s Decade
Name: Quiana Howard Gordon
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 1998
High School: Norcross High School
College: Georgia State University
Current Role: Senior Program Advisor, National Institute For Student Success
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?
I took part in 21st Century Leaders, which provided me with the first opportunity to visit a college campus and experience living away from home. The program helped me gain confidence in my survival abilities as a young adult. I had the chance to engage with like-minded peers and participate in new opportunities that expanded my skillset. In 21CL, I could see how my classroom learning related to postsecondary studies and the world of work. The research, time-management, and study skills I developed during individual and group activities and projects proved helpful during my undergraduate studies and even throughout my master’s degree and doctoral program. These skills have also been valuable throughout my professional career.
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.)
One of my most unforgettable experiences at 21CL was when our cohort dressed up in business attire and got the opportunity to visit the Cartoon Network office. Cartoon Network was a big deal at that time because it had some of the best TV shows. We had a tour of the facilities during our visit, networked with some content writers, and participated in a Q&A luncheon with the executives. We had the chance to sit with important people and showcase the leadership skills we acquired during the 21CL learning sessions.
Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so, how?
Absolutely! When I became aware of the different leadership styles, I would always say I was a servant leader because that was the buzzword. But over time, I realized my leadership style was more adaptable based on the situational context. When working with a team of subject matter experts, my role as a leader becomes more supportive. Conversely, when I work with a less experienced team, my leadership approach becomes more hands-on and lessens as the team develops and becomes more independent.
Why do you believe programs like 21CL are important? And what advice would you give to a current or future student?
Programs like 21CL can introduce students to leadership and postsecondary opportunities, making them more accessible. It’s often said, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Therefore, having the chance to gain knowledge, learn new skills, or even make new contacts can enhance an individual’s value and make them more valuable to others. My advice to current and future students is to jump into 21CL with both feet because there’s so much to gain from the team and partnering organizations. Take it to heart, and you won’t regret it!
For our 35th anniversary, we’ll be sharing the stories of 35 alumni showcasing the leaders they are today and how 21st Century Leaders inspired and impacted their journey. Alumni will represent the 3.5 decades since our founding in 1989 – the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. Take a read and be inspired!
1990’s Decade
Name: Kyle Wingfield
H.S. Grad Year: Class of 1997
High School: Dalton High School
College: University of Georgia
Current Role: President and CEO, Georgia Public Policy Foundation
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?
After my time in 21st Century Leaders (21CL) (high school class of 1997), I graduated from the University of Georgia and pursued a career in journalism that took me to the Associated Press, the Wall Street Journal and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, including 4.5 years overseas in Belgium. In 2018, I changed careers and became CEO of an Atlanta-based think tank called the Georgia Public Policy Foundation. Looking back, I can see clear ways that my participation in 21CL helped me. For example, I became more comfortable speaking not only in front of groups, but also one-on-one with adult business executives. I also learned a lot about different personality types and how people within those various types see the world differently. And just generally, I would say 21CL was a key part in helping a small-town boy like me see a much larger world and understand more possibilities.
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 I had a racially diverse group of friends growing up, my hometown overall was not a hugely diverse place during my childhood – although that has changed significantly over time. 21CL was an experience that helped me learn what it’s like to be among people of diverse backgrounds: not only in the small group that I might choose, but in a broader sense as well. I remember things like a member of the staff team one year teaching us in the evenings about step shows. Of course, we found that we had more things in common than not, but being exposed to some of the differences gave me a comfort level as well as an awareness that helped me be a better citizen of my surroundings as my surroundings changed.
Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so, how?
I try to lead by example and by consensus: I model the behavior I expect from my team, and I seek their buy-in for important decisions or changes. The exercises, discussions and experiences in 21CL contributed to those elements of my leadership style.
Why do you believe programs like 21CL are important? And what advice would you give to a current or future student?
Whether one grows up in a small town or an urban area, young people tend to take a more constrictive view of the world than they may realize. They are largely limited by their observations and experiences. That applies to their horizons, which dictate how they view opportunities and possibilities. But it also applies to their self-conception: They may believe they are only what they have been, which is shaped by the people and influences they’ve known. Today’s technologies may broaden their opportunities to know more people and influences than those nearby – for better and for worse – but young people still need ways to try out new versions of themselves in constructive, nurturing environments. I firmly believe programs like 21CL allow them to do just that, because these programs let them break out of the molds that have built up around them. These programs are opportunities for what we might call positive rebelliousness: going against what they’ve always known and been, but in ways that build them up rather than put them at risk.
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Gareth Thompson is a graduate of Wheeler High School (2019) and of the University of Georgia (2023); this fall he will start working as a Contract Compliance Associate at KPMG. Throughout high school, Gareth attended many of our student programs, was a 21CL Youth Ambassador and recently served as a Summer Leadership Team member and alumni roundtable speaker, helping to mentor and inspire our current students.
“I really encourage students to be all-in when attending these programs. You get out what you put in! Your spot in 21CL is a spot that hundreds of other students are vying for – why waste it? It is such a good opportunity to meet with professionals and start growing your professional network – something that is even more difficult to do on your own.” ~Gareth Thompson
Paint a brief picture of yourself and what you are doing now.
I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Risk Management & Insurance, along with an emphasis in consulting. I was involved in several organizations during my collegiate career – notably the Asian American Student Association (AASA), and the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi of which I was Ethics Chair. Throughout college I interned at State Farm Mutual Insurance for two summers, one as an Auto Claims Intern and the second as a Special Investigative Unit Intern. This fall I plan to work full time as a Contract Compliance Associate with KPMG in the Atlanta office. As I await professional life, I enjoy travelling with friends, playing sports, playing music, and making art.
When were you in high school and which 21CL programs did you participate in?
I attended Wheeler High School from 2015 to 2019. I attended three summer leadership institutes: EarthCare at Berry College in 2016, SYLI at Emory University in 2017, and Turner Youth Voices Media Institute at Georgia Tech in 2018. I was a 2018-2019 21CL Youth Ambassador and attended Fall and Winter Leadership Summits in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Since high school, I recently returned to 21CL as a Summer Leadership Team member for EarthCare 2023.
What was your memorable or ‘aha’ moment during your time at 21CL?
It’s so hard to pick just one memorable moment! I would have to say that the first night of EarthCare my roommates and I all went into one room and just started talking for hours, playing music, and becoming close friends. I was skeptical about joining camp at first – it was my first time away from home at an overnight camp but knowing that people were with me sharing the same experiences made it a lot more welcoming and bearable. If they could do it, so could I! Knowing that everyone involved, from the campers to the staff, were 100% all in on making the program the best it could really be encouraged me to give it my all and eventually return for years to come.
Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader?
I am not the loudest speaker in the room, and sometimes it’s difficult for me to have my voice heard, especially among large groups. Working on the 21CL projects helped me speak up, and even encourage others to do the same. Being around so many different people with different experiences meant that everyone had a unique perspective to the tasks we were trying to solve. I learned to understand that, not to devalue my own contributions, and look for ways I could get others involved, even if I wasn’t the loudest. Starting off small in 21CL has helped me hone these collaborative skills into other projects that I’ve had to do in college and throughout various internship experiences.
What advice would you give to a current or future student?
I really encourage students to be all-in when attending these programs. You get out what you put in! Your spot in 21CL is a spot that hundreds of other students are vying for – why waste it? It is such a good opportunity to meet with professionals and start growing your professional network – something that is even more difficult to do on your own. The skills you learn are transferable skills that will make you head and shoulders above your peers as you venture into college and professional life. But don’t only focus on the professional! The personal relationships you form will last you a long time. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other campers or even the staff. Who knows? A relationship in camp might turn into a job opportunity down the line.
How would you describe 21CL in three words?
Powerful. Fun. Foundational.
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
21CL Alumna Ashley Carter is a graduate of Midtown High School (2016), of University Of Georgia (2020) and headed back to University of Georgia for her PMBA, She currently works as a Software Instructor for Blackbaud and has previously worked as a multimedia journalist in Atlanta, Georgia. Ashley enjoys volunteering and uplifting others and believes that growth and learning never end. “When I was at a low point in my life during high school, I remember joining the 21CLUB at my school. We gave back to the community, got to hear from different speakers, gaining life lessons at each meeting and grew as leaders. Eventually I joined the 21CLub’s leadership because I felt better overall while uplifting others.” – Ashley Carter
Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.
I am a software instructor for a technology company called Blackbaud. I train hundreds of accountants each month, from non-profits around the world, how to navigate and use Blackbaud’s software solution, Financial Edge NXT. I previously worked in television news in Atlanta and Myrtle Beach. The skills I utilized in the news business have been essential to me striving and growing in my role.
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?
The 21st Century Leaders community is unmatched! When I was at a low point in my life during high school, I remember joining the 21CLUB at my school. We gave back to the community, got to hear from different speakers, gaining life lessons at each meeting, and grew as leaders. Eventually I joined the 21CLub’s leadership because I felt better overall while uplifting others, as I was growing into womanhood. Those strong values of service have been instilled in me. Ms. Van Atta (the 21CLub Advisor) at Midtown High School played a key role by taking us in as we were and never judged. That made my time in the club so much nicer! I later got to attend one of the 21CL Summer Leadership Institutes, Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience, currently known as Future Leaders Institute – an experience I will never forget! That week was so fun and insightful, and it’s a huge reason I went on to study journalism at the University of Georgia! Those skills I gained from that camp are still used up to today even in my current role. On top of all of that, the friends I have made during my 21CL days are still in my life!
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.?)
Something I will never forget about 21st Century Leaders is when I was home one summer, following my senior year of high school and after an internship ended abruptly; I called 21st Century Leaders’ office to see if they had work that I could help with. They immediately created a position for me, and during that summer I got a real world work experience before college! I got to see behind the scenes of how tough their work is to support thousands of high school students, yet the staff does it with such grace. I knew from that point forward, that 21st Century Leaders’ mission was bigger than just programs and meetings… it is truly to make a better tomorrow! I will never forget that!
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!
Overall, in each role I have held, I can adapt and pivot quickly. I also have been commended for taking feedback and promptly applying that to my workflows to make outcomes greater. Something I have learned through 21st Century Leaders is that it is important to adapt to continue growing. Growth and learning never end. I also know, as I continue to elevate, it is important to reach back to uplift others. Community service continues to be at the center of my life! I am so grateful for that.
21CL Alumnus Sloane Brakeville is our first alumni spotlight for December 2021. A graduate of Kennesaw Mountain High School (2009), and of University Of Georgia (2014), Sloane is a serial entrepreneur in the software industry who previously worked as Blockchain Specialist at IBM where he worked with dozens of Fortune 500 companies. He currently works as Chief Operating Officer at Computis, a startup he founded.
Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now
I’m a serial entrepreneur in the software space. I sold my old startup, Fr8 Network, earlier this year and have been working full time on my latest startup Computis which is a software product for calculating capital gains and losses on cryptocurrency investments. We just survived our first tax year and are on track to triple our client base for next year!
How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?
21CL gave me a level of mental confidence to affirm I was “special enough” to make a mark on the world. A program like this gives kids attention and by being selected gives us a push to do something risky or challenging. It also introduced me to some great lifelong friends.
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 EarthCare Summer Leadership Institute in 2009. Embarrassingly enough, the ballroom dancing class has stuck with me the most. It taught me some basic moves to build on while I was becoming an adult and without them I would have floundered on the dance floor even worse than I do. Coming into the program I frequently struggled with social confidence and the dancing lessons took away some anxiety at networking events and bars.
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’ll never forget sitting at a table with my new-found friends eating lunch on the last day and being filled with a sense of accomplishment. The program forced me out of my comfort zone countless times and I truly felt like a leader amongst my peers. The diversity stood out to me and the difference I felt between my peer group at my high school and my peer group at 21CL was game for me, a better perspective of 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!
21CL cemented my “lead by doing” motto. I was raised by a leader, my dad, who started his own Physical Therapy clinic while I was in 5th grade. He would tell me stories of other respected leaders with a common theme; treat everyone equally, and there’s no work that is “below me.” I’ve worked a lot of different jobs to find myself here, including being a janitor on weekends to get some extra money. My experience at 21CL reminded me that a team can benefit from leadership, but the wrong kind of leadership will eventually cause an implosion.
21CL Alumnus Rance Nix is our spotlight for September 2021. A graduate of Henry W. Grady High School -now Midtown High School (2010) – and of University of Georgia (2014), Rance is a stage actor from Atlanta who is currently preparing for the release of a new show titled The Kings of Napa, on The Oprah Winfrey Network; he also works as a real estate agent in New York City. Rance says that during his 21CL years, he learned how to pitch himself, how to be confident, how to stand out, and more… and that those foundational skills have made a profound impact on him at personal and at professional level. He believes that anyone can be a leader if they take time to develop their confidence, excellence in whatever they do and if they have a genuine heart for others!
Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.
I’m an actor from Atlanta, Georgia currently holding it down in New York City. Before acting full time, I worked a variety of jobs as an account management intern at the ad agency BBDO, a junior golf instructor, a cashier at a quick service biscuit shop, a sales advisor at Warby Parker, and most recently a real estate agent in New York City. I chose real estate because there’s unlimited upside if you put the work in, I could potentially have more flexibility financially to pursue acting, and it could be a career that I could have regardless of whether acting worked out or not. Gratefully, acting has worked out and I’m currently preparing for the release of a new show that I’m in, The Kings of Napa, on The Oprah Winfrey Network.
How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?
Participating in 21st Century Leaders was the start of my leadership and business professional journey. Full transparency, in high school I remember at first I didn’t think dressing up to go to meetings and doing 21st Century Leaders was the coolest thing to do. That was totally silly! Through 21st Century leaders I learned how important it is to be able to handle myself as a young professional. The programs also prepared me early on with the skills and the confidence to navigate networking and also prepared me on how to look for opportunities as I started to think about life after high school and then later on after college. In fact, many years later, I still use many of the skills that I learned through 21st Century Leaders as I hustle in New York City. I’m not exactly doing anything in the traditional “business” field but while attending the events I learned how to pitch myself, how to be confident, how to stand out, and more. In a super crowded field of actors, having the skills and confidence to pitch myself and put myself out there has really helped me stick out above the rest.
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?
21st Century Leaders was my first intro into the world of being a business professional. Through the programs and events I essentially learned, “This is how it’s done ‘in the real world’ and this is why it’s important.” I’m grateful for my experience with 21st Century Leaders and the lessons learned in high school. I was able to put those lessons and skills to use early on and refine them through college and in my 20’s. Now, my business acumen is second nature while a lot of peers of mine in their late 20’s and early 30’s still don’t like networking and/or have very little business professional skills.
Which programs did you participate in? What is your memorable or ‘aha’ moment in 21CL? (meeting a professional and diverse peers, speaking in public for the first time, etc.?)
I participated in the Summer Leadership Institute and three Winter Leadership Conferences (GYLS) in addition to the smaller school club meetings (21CLub) throughout the year. My most memorable moment is: finally winning the Winter Leadership Conference business case competition in our third year. My sophomore year we placed 3rd, my junior year we placed 2nd, and my senior year we finally won! We won with the same group of classmates from the original group which was awesome too. The process of going through two years of losing then finally winning was a great lesson in resilience and how to keep learning, keep improving, and keep aiming for my goals until they become a reality! Another memorable moment is the Chick-fil-A lunches at the networking roundtables!
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!
Confidence, confidence, confidence. I’ve noticed that people who don’t consider themselves “leaders” or who say they “aren’t good at being a ‘business professional'” just don’t have the confidence. Through the networking roundtables, resume building workshops, practicing our 30 second elevator pitches and more, 21st Century Leaders gave me the tools and thus the confidence to be successful in my career. Moreover, I’ve discovered that anyone can be a leader if (in addition to having confidence) they are excellent in everything they do and genuinely have a heart for others. Those three qualities: confidence, excellence, and caring for others, not everyone has or takes the time to develop, but for those that do, they are often leaders in their professional and personal circles.
Our Alumni Spotlight for April 2021 is Skylar Nicholson, a graduate of Central Education Center in Newnan, Coweta County (2017), and of the University of Georgia (2020). She is a multimedia journalist completing her master’s degree at the University of Georgia where she doubles in as a teaching assistant in Communication Law. During high school, Skylar participated in many of 21CL’s programs and was a 2017 Georgia Youth Leadership Award (GYLA) recipient. This summer she will be a Fellow with The Wall Street Journal in New York City!
“I still cannot believe that 21st Century Leaders facilitated the opportunity for me to intern with CNN on the Morning Express with Robin Meade just after graduating high school! Once I was in college, I realized just how hard it is to get internships with organizations like CNN. It is highly competitive. Not only is it hard to get an internship at such a coveted organization, but it is unheard of to have one at such a young age… I got to shadow with the anchors, learn how to edit, pitch story ideas, and even help plan future shoots. It was not just a passive internship. It was an actively engaging experience where I got critical feedback on my skillset to help me grow as a storyteller and journalist.” -Skylar Nicholson
Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.
I am a multimedia journalist, completing my master’s degree at the University of Georgia. I am a graduate teaching assistant working with undergraduate students who are taking communication law courses. This summer, I will be a fellow with the Wall Street Journal in New York City.
How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?
21st Century Leaders taught me to learn how to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. In my graduate studies, what I am learning is completely outside of my comfort zone and forcing me to dive headfirst into uncharted territory and new research. It is also putting me in a position of leadership among other undergraduate students to help guide them to success in their own individual studies.
Participating in 21st Century Leader also gave me confidence in questioning social norms and established ways of operation. There are new ways to approach industry problems, and how things have always been done may not be the best route to approach problems now. It gave me the ability to look at an issue or goal from a 360° perspective and then choose the best course of actions with not only end results in mind, but how the goal is achieved with success in terms of teamwork relations, new technology, and how this individual project plays into the grander scheme of operations. Immediate success is not always the best thing; continued perpetual growth is the most important.
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?
I feel very fortunate to have been involved with 21st Century Leaders since my sophomore year of high school. 21st Century Leaders gave me the professional skills to have a jumpstart in my career field. It gave me mentors that I am still connected with to this day. It also gave me friendships that I value and would not have established without the summer camps. I met one of my best friends, Willie Daniely (we were interns on the Morning Express together), through this program and we still support each other every step of the way as we pursue our individual careers in the same industry.
In addition, I still cannot believe that 21st Century Leaders facilitated the opportunity for me to intern with CNN on the Morning Express with Robin Meade, just after graduating high school. Once I was in college, I realized just how hard it is to get internships with organizations like CNN. It is highly competitive. Not only is it hard to get an internship at such a coveted organization, but it is unheard of to have one at such a young age. Not only were they able to establish this incredible opportunity, but they made it very individual to my particular interests. I was able to work on a morning show and report to work every morning at 4 am. I got to shadow with the anchors, learn how to edit, pitch story ideas, and even help plan future shoots. It was not just a passive internship. It was an actively engaging experience where I got critical feedback on my skillset to help me grow as a storyteller and journalist.
Completing this internship gave me some credibility on my resume and helped me secure future internships. In all of my future internships and fellowships, I was the first person in that role. 21st Century Leaders taught me to pave the way for new opportunities and to ask, “What might else be out there?” I completed an internship with Newsy (Scripps) in Washington, D.C., covering Capitol Hill’s politics. During my time, I got to report daily packages, cover congressional hearings, and even got to ask a question to the president in a White House press conference. It gave me confidence in my skill set and to take charge of new opportunities.
Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?
Public speaking skills, interview skills, and proper business etiquette were some of my favorite skillsets to learn more about.
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.?)
Getting to shadow Robin Meade and working with the production team was an eye-opening experience. It was my first opportunity to really get to see how a newsroom operates and look into what a future career in this industry might be like one day. The team that I worked with was candid with me and provided honest insight into how to start a career with a trajectory for success. I saw female leadership at HLN. This was something that was really inspiring and exciting for me to watch. There was a diverse team, where women and different ethnicities all have an equal voice in the conversation. Everyone had access to share their opinions and feedback was openly accepted. I did a project where I interviewed different anchors, producers, and show staff on how they got to where they were in their careers. Hearing their individual stories was inspiring. Watch her video about interning after high school at HLN.
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?
21st Century Leaders taught me the importance of listening. Truly being present, hearing the people around you, and then choosing how to react. There are many different types of leadership, and it is essential to find what your individual strengths are that make you unique. With my new role as a graduate teaching assistant, I have learned the power of having empathy. Especially in the times of COVID-19, where everyone is dealing with new working conditions and unique external stress, it is vital to approach every situation with compassion and understanding. People are human first, outside of the specific tasks that they complete for a job.
I have gone on to complete additional leadership courses and trainings at the University of Georgia. I was a Levin Leader in 2019 for the Cox Institute. 
Leadership is something that I want to actively pursue and gain new skills in. No one is born a leader, everyone has an equal chance to become one and step into that position of power, and it is up to us to individually pour the time into enhancing our skillsets, so we are ready when the time arrives.
In the wake of the tornado damage (March 2021) that hit her home city of Newnan, Skylar produced a series of stories highlighting the strength of residents and community recovery.
View some of Skylar’s other productions and multimedia projects online:
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.
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.