21st Century Leaders Announces Winners of 2022 Georgia Youth Leadership Awards

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Top 21 High School Students of 21st Century Leaders Selected for Outstanding Leadership

(February 11, 2022) Atlanta, GA – 21st Century Leaders, a Georgia-based non-profit youth leadership and talent development program for high school students from diverse backgrounds across the state, announces the top 21 youth leaders selected for its annual signature event, Georgia Youth Leadership Awards, presented by WarnerMedia, to be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, Ga. 

21st Century Leaders (21CL), in partnership with the event’s corporate sponsors and partners, brings together business and civic leaders to raise support for 21st Century Leaders’ year-round leadership programs while also recognizing 21 outstanding high school students throughout Georgia who have made a significant impact on their schools, communities and beyond.

21CL serves over 1,000 students annually and this year’s 21 awardees – all in high school and all members of 21st Century Leaders – include non-profit founders, educators, content creators, researchers, and community advocates who truly represent the diversity of Georgia with students from DeKalb to Effingham to Columbia counties. The nominated students exhibit 21CL’s leadership qualities of being service-oriented, forward thinking, resourceful, passionate and of leveraging diversity. The 21 awardees were carefully chosen by a 23-member selection committee of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 members, 21CL Board of Directors, 21CL corporate volunteers, and 21CL alumni and student peers. The full selection committee is listed below and on its website.

21st Century Leaders is proud to announce the following 21 outstanding youth leaders for the 2022 Georgia Youth Leadership Awards:

  1. Amelia Akins, South Paulding High School
  2. Alexandra Audrain, Marietta High School
  3. Ajay Balasubramaniam, Lambert High School
  4. Raul Bejar Mejia, Gainesville High School
  5. Gabriel Blanding, Greenbrier High School
  6. Esther Ceballo, Westlake High School
  7. Sanjna Desai, North Gwinnett High School
  8. Zora Felix, New Manchester High School
  9. Asanshay Gupta, Atlanta International School
  10. Ansh Jain, Milton High School
  11. Joon Kwon, Northview High School
  12. Olivia Li, Chamblee Charter High School
  13. Benjamin Loong, Campbell High School
  14. April Moss, Effingham County High School
  15. Swetha Pendela, South Forsyth High School
  16. Juliana Claire Ponciano, Ware County High School
  17. Ila Prabhuram, Etowah High School
  18. Anne Robinson, Midtown High School
  19. Avijit Singh, Westminster Schools
  20. J’Avani Stinson, DeKalb Early College Academy
  21. Gabrielle Tobin, Lovett High School

Through corporate sponsors’ support, each youth leader will be presented with a $500 grant, with one student awarded the WarnerMedia Student Leadership Award – the event’s top award which includes a $1,000 grant from the presenting sponsor, WarnerMedia. Students are also paired with GYLA Coaches who mentor the students throughout the event season. GYLA Coaches are members of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 alumni, maintaining a partnership established with the group in 2008 when 21st Century Leaders first launched this event. GYLA winners and coaches met at a private virtual Meet + Greet reception on Thursday, February 10, 2022.

This year’s event is being led by GYLA Co-Chairs and 21CL Board of Directors members Okema Jackson of WarnerMedia and Maria Flores Blackburn of Southern Company, also a 21CL Alumna. For more information about the Georgia Youth Leadership Awards or to purchase a ticket to the event, please visit www.21stcenturyleaders.org. All proceeds from the event will support 21CL’s ongoing efforts to provide youth leadership and talent development programs for high school students across Georgia at little to no cost to students.

GYLA Selection Committee
All nominations were reviewed by our 23-member GYLA Selection Committee, comprised of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 under 40 members, 21CL Board of Directors, 21CL corporate volunteers, and 21CL alumni and student peers. Committee members included Monique Bell, Bobby Dodd Institute*; Stacey Betz, Mercer; Susannah Darrow, Purpose Possible*; Chandra Farley, ReSolve*; David Felfoldi, SHERPA Global*; Dr. Shaneeta Johnson, Morehouse School of Medicine*; Jesse Lindsley, Thrust Interactive*; Ying McPherson, Unifi*; Amanda Mewborn, Navicent Health*; David Minnix, CineMassive Displays*; Dr. Adriane Randolph, BrainLab, Department of Information Systems, Coles College of Business, KSU*; Shawana Rapp, SHRM-ATL; Dr. Alicia Shelly, Wellstar Health Systems*; Mari Sifo, SWM International*; Antrell Tyson, WorkSource Atlanta*; Stephen Vault, Wellstar*; Rachel Weitz, Delta*; Ryan Woods, Beck Architecture*; Stephen Smith, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency*; Marty Fleischmann, Response Media, 21CL Board of Directors*; Shelton Guinn, MarketSource, 21CL Board of Directors; Tomi Oladeji and Sabrina Zhu, 21CL members and 2021 GYLA Student Recipients.

*GYLA Coaches; additional coaches include April Jackson, Truist; Kari McFarlane, Google, Akinship; Kat Taylor, Nelson Mullins, 21CL Board of Directors

About 21st Century Leaders
Since 1989, 21st Century Leaders has served more than 16,000 diverse high school students from over 250 Georgia high schools. 21st Century Leaders’ mission is to connect, transform, and inspire high school students from diverse backgrounds across the state of Georgia to leverage diversity, explore career opportunities, and become leaders in their school, community, and ultimately the workforce. 

21st Century Leaders is currently accepting student applications (until March 1st and March 15th) into their leadership and development program and for their four summer leadership institutes for the 2022 summer. The summer leadership institutes are residential one-week programs hosted on a college campus with our corporate partners and business professionals. 21CL accepts rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. For more information about 21st Century Leaders, visit www.21stcenturyleaders.org/student-programs.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Nicole Meadows
Director of Programs & Communications, 21st Century Leaders
nicole@21stcenturyleaders.org | 404.373.7441

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Alumni Spotlight: Alicia Owens

Our Alumni Spotlight for August 2021 is Alicia Owens, a graduate of South Gwinnett High School (2017) and of Georgia State University (2020). She currently works as Program Manager at 21st Century Leaders Inc. Even at a young age, Alicia has been one of the lead 21CL alumni volunteers serving as chaperone, a summer application reviewer, and has served on the Summer Leadership Team as a mentor for all four Summer Leadership Institutes in 2020. She has just enrolled in a Master of Science in Education for Sport Administration program at the University of Miami and wants to use her knowledge and skills to help women and people with disabilities reach further into the world of sports. 

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I’m currently working as the Program Manager for an organization called 21st Century Leaders, have you heard of it? 🙂

I joined the team full time in April after a few months of stressful job searching post graduation, and I’m thrilled to be giving back to 21CL in a new capacity. I graduated from Georgia State University in December of 2020 with a BA in Journalism, so I was initially looking at reporting jobs when I found the posting for this position. I applied because I knew I would enjoy working with 21CL again, and I didn’t expect anything to happen, but now that I’m in this role I’m reconsidering the direction I want my career to go. In college I had been hoping for a future in sports journalism, but now I want to use the skills I’m learning with 21CL to work on the operations side of sports.

That’s how I ended up looking into Master’s programs, and I’ve just been accepted to attend the University of Miami for an online Master of Science in Education for Sport Administration. I’ll continue to work full time and grow as a professional with my role at 21CL, but I’m excited to go through my classes and find ways to connect my work now with what I want to do in the future. I hope to use my experience working with people from diverse backgrounds along with what I’ll learn through my degree so that someday I can help women and people with disabilities reach further into the world of sports.

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

Participating in my summer institute gave me so much confidence in myself and my skills, and I’ve carried that feeling with me ever since. I wasn’t necessarily shy before 21CL, but I wasn’t the first to step up and ask a question or the first to share an idea before my institute. Knowing that 21CL saw something in me showed me that what I had to say was important. It also helped me solidify what career field I wanted to go into, because I knew I wanted to write, but I didn’t know how I could do that and make money. Meeting professionals who were writing for TV shows or contributing to articles at CNN let me know that if I worked hard enough, I could be in their position someday.

Attending my institute helped me decide to study journalism in college, and I ended up with an internship at CNN Sports in my junior year thanks to the advice and networking opportunities I got through 21CL. Almost every day that I was at work, I was reminded of my time with 21CL and everything I learned during my institute. I even remembered the layout of one of the studios we toured, and it made the other intern in my department jealous that I could get up there without getting lost in our first few weeks.

Being part of 21CL didn’t just help me professionally, though. As I mentioned, I gained so much confidence thanks to my institute, but my curiosity about the world grew and I became a more understanding person because of that experience. There are so many big moments from my institute that I could point to and say “that changed my life,” but there are just as many smaller moments that had the same lasting effect. I was so inspired after that week that I knew I wanted to come back and volunteer as soon as I could, and being a volunteer helped me see how awesome it could be to work with this team full time. There are countless ways that 21CL has transformed me, and I know that work is not done, so I’ll stay curious as I wait for what’s to come.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL prepared me to enter the professional world with a blueprint of what I should be doing. I didn’t know everything (still don’t) but I knew where to start, and I had ideas of where I wanted to go along the way. That helped me as I went through college and tried to find opportunities that would not only be fun, but also help me further my career. I joined the student newspaper at GSU and held almost every role you could have before I was promoted to be a section editor. As a leader for my team of video-journalists I found myself working alongside them rather than “above” them. The servant leadership mindset that 21CL instilled in me was subconsciously coming out, and it made my team a more successful, collaborative group than it had been in the past. I try to be a servant leader wherever I go, and it’s been very beneficial to have that mindset.

And salsa night made me the unofficial dance instructor for my friends a time or two.

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

In 2016 I attended what is now the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders, and I learned for the first time how important it is to network. Having direct access to professionals at CNN and Turner/WarnerMedia is a big deal, so I tried my best to connect with them in person and then follow up later. When I got to college and started working with the newspaper, networking helped me get the best stories I possibly could. Then during my internship with CNN, I wasn’t afraid to connect with people who worked where I wanted to be someday. It was so much easier, and so much more comfortable, to connect with these professionals thanks to the experience I had in 21CL.

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

I remember so clearly one of the sessions at Turner where the speaker asked us to come up with a life motto. I think it had to be 10 words or less, and here I was with my newfound confidence, so my hand shot up to be the first to share. Speaking to writers for TV shows and reporters from CNN instilled the importance of telling stories in my mind, but hearing from other professionals and executives about the importance of finding what you’re good at and making a career out of it helped me come up with the perfect motto for myself. I decided on “tell your story the way only you can” and it stuck with me because it reminded me of everything I learned that week. The funny thing is, it’s come up several times in my life since. My favorite class in college was all about telling stories, and I found myself focusing on the story of my life as I applied to grad school. That was my “aha” moment, because it always finds me when I least expect it, and it reminds me of my time with 21CL and all that’s come my way since.

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

I was able to put a name to servant leadership because of 21CL, and ever since I’ve tried to be one in each situation I’m in, whether it’s personal or professional. I learned to ask effective questions and have meaningful conversations so I could get the most out of each interaction, and I learned more than anything else to be open to new ideas.

Recently though, I heard something at one of our summer institutes this year that’s been at the front of my mind. The session was about being a disruptor, which isn’t always a bad thing. The speaker shared the definition which said a disruptor can cause radical change by means of innovation. The students were encouraged to come up with their own ideas of what they wanted to disrupt, and they were guided by the question “what would you do if you were not afraid?” That question stood out to me then, and I noticed it coming out in different iterations throughout the rest of our institutes. Each time I heard it, I thought, what change do I want to see in the world, or in myself? How can I make it happen, and what’s stopping me from doing that right now? If the answer is simply because I’m afraid, then that’s not a good excuse. I hope I can go through the rest of my life challenging myself to do things that scare me just a little bit, because those things usually yield the best experiences.

Alumni Spotlight: Skylar Nicholson

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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxfLitrEdCU&t=1s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2ecBbjTaEQ&t=33s

Alumni Spotlight: Ousman Sahko Sow

Our first Alumni Spotlight for this year is Ousman Sahko Sow, who was a member of our 21Club at Langston Hughes High School back in 2010 and participated in 21CL programs throughout high school, including “Leadership Unplugged: a CNN Experience” which is now known as the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders. Ousman is the co-founder of Blacktag that is dedicated to helping Black creators have a platform to explore their creativity and be connected with world-class brands.

“The best tool I took from 21CL was the ability to break the ice and engage with anyone. Without all the activities we regularly participated in, which all focused on people and engagement, I would not be the conversationalist I am today which is one of the best foundational skills you can have as an entrepreneur.” – Ousman Sahko Sow

Paint a brief picture of what you’re doing now.

I am the co-founder of a media and technology platform called Blacktag. It is a creator driven platform, specifically for alternative Black creators. You can think of it as a hybrid of Netflix and YouTube, combining original studio content with user generated content in a dedicated home for underserved Black audiences.

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

In high school, I had never really seen or heard of anything that empowered young individuals who were interested in entrepreneurship. I had always been interested in starting my own business and was an overachiever from a young age, so being around like-minded individuals made me feel inspired. One of the most transformative aspects for me was realizing a different career path, one that was different from the traditional ones of medicine or law, and that was a viable and realistic option for me. Recognizing this gave me the ability and a lot of confidence to go into the entertainment space where I could build something extraordinary.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL prepared me specifically by helping me have an experience at CNN and land an internship there while still in high school! During the summer leadership institute they brought in leaders from CNN to talk to us, and they provided insights into what life is actually like in their career field. I had always been interested in TV so meeting folks in that industry and offering their thoughts really prepared me to seriously consider that industry for my career. One of the things I noticed was the excitement these folks had for their career, showing me that it’s possible to do what you love as an adult. The best tool I took from 21CL was the ability to break the ice and engage with anyone. Without all the activities we regularly participated in, which all focused on people and engagement, I would not be the conversationalist I am today which is one of the best foundational skills you can have as an entrepreneur.

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

In 2010, I had the opportunity to participate in Leadership Unplugged: a CNN experience, and also had an internship with CNN coordinated through 21CL. While I learned a great deal of skills along the way, the experience itself offered me a lot of insight for my career. I was able to witness and immerse myself into the entertainment industry with folks just like me. It may not sound significant, but this was the first time I really saw myself in an entertainment based career and had the confidence to do so because of my time as an intern.

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

I remember we had a 21CL dance off; all the groups got together and no one cared if you messed up or looked funny, it was just meant to be a fun time. I was pretty shy at the time so to participate in something out of my comfort zone pushed me to open up and in turn I gained a lot of confidence.

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

I remember Bob, who was the Executive Director at the time; very charming, charismatic, always himself, and incredibly passionate about learning. He always made it a priority to get to know everyone in the program and recognize each participant for their abilities and achievements. Bob’s leadership style had a huge impact on me because I got to experience firsthand the impact of a leader who was constantly engaged and that’s ultimately the style I bring to my team.

Alumni Spotlight: Justin Toliver

21CL Alumnus Justin Toliver works as Account Executive for NBCUniversal Media, Inc. and is a graduate of Woodstock High School (2011) and of Rhodes College (2015).  During his high school years he served as a member of 21CL’s Youth Advisory Board, currently known as the Youth Ambassadors. In this post Justin shares how 21CL assisted him in developing a personal brand and taught him to be accountable for any project or activity that he is associated with.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

Currently I work in the media industry as Account Executive for NBCUniversal Media, Inc. and my day-to-day work revolves around providing my clients with collaborative ideas, fresh perspectives and out-of-the-box strategies to access untapped demographics within their prospective markets. Forging sound personal relationships for our sales division is paramount in supporting our business model, team goals and creating a new generation of NBCUniversal fan ambassadors.

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

My mother ensured that my flame for success was ignited at an early age and 21st Century Leaders was quintessential in helping realize my potential to be a professional in my current field. I was introduced to the 21CL program in the summer of 2010 as a high school junior and it was a very impactful experience. I was afforded the opportunity to stay on the Georgia Tech campus for one full week and undoubtedly the experience was paramount in solidifying my desire to attend a four-year college and contribute more to society. In addition to this, my interest in the broadcast and media industry was unveiled during that week. I was so engaged and positively impacted that Mr. Robert Watson, 21CL’s Executive Director at the time, approached me about serving on 21st Century Youth Advisory Board; two months later I applied and was nominated.

Participation on this Board put me at another level – my business acumen and decorum was expanded, my personal brand shaped and I garnered some lifelong friendships with peers who, similar to me, were in search of professional direction. From then on I became an asset to my high school and took on many other leadership roles including Jr. Achievement Student Ambassador, Georgia Department of Education – Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council Member, Woodstock Wolverines Varsity Football Captain, People to People International Delegate, Woodstock Mayoral Youth Council member and an H. Hugh Shelton Leadership Academy Peer Counselor. My time with 21CL undoubtedly positioned me to continue my journey with a level of confidence that can only be earned and not given.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

My participation in the 2010 summer leadership institute and serving on the 21CL Youth Advisory Board was the perfect launchpad to my collegiate career, which indeed gave me an advantage in my community involvement and positioned me for continued success. During my college years, I served in various roles:

  • Senator, Rhodes Student Government
  • Admissions Recruitment Panelist
  • NCAA – National SAAC Representative Committee Appointment: Sportsmanship & Ethical Conduct
  • Athlete, National Football Federation College Hall of Fame Scholar

When I joined NBCUniversal in 2014, my schedule was so full with learning the business that I fulfilled all of my volunteer experience in-house. I was involved in some of NBC’s Corporate Responsibility initiatives like Comcast Cares Day, the Mazda Drive for Good initiative, and Clear the Shelters. The most impactful community leadership role I’ve held at the company is being a facilitator for the Special Olympics. During this event, unconditional love took on a new meaning for me from individuals who were just elated to be recognized, celebrated and supported in their competitions. That’s it! No judgement, favoritism, discrimination existed. Everyone from the athletes, partners, parents, sponsors, NBC employees, etc., was a winner!

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

I participated in Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience (now the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders) in 2010. It was a very impactful experience for me as a high school junior. The skill most utilized for me coming out of Leadership Unplugged was the realization that leadership comes down to relationships. Understanding how to be a reliable teammate and listen to the ideas of your peers should always supersede the need to be the “voice of the group.” In my opinion, leadership is 10% what you say and 90% what you do. 21CL taught me this at an early age and it is something that has served me well both within my company as well as externally with our clients.

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

I vividly remember the interactive team building exercises, fundamentals of storytelling, meeting influential leaders of Time Warner and our daily “Sharpening the Saw” round tables. At that moment, I was convinced that I wanted to be on a college campus that would sharpen my talents, skills and abilities, so I too one day could also be a role model for younger people as those volunteers were to me at that critical decision-making time in my life.

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

21CL assisted me in developing a personal brand that I am proud to stand by. The program taught me to be 100% accountable for any project or activity that my name is associated with. This is particularly important when you may not have been the individual to commit the mistake. At the end of the day, no client or person in general wants to hear about why the objective is not getting accomplished. Instead, 21CL taught me to endeavor through the clutter, to think outside of the box, and provide an end result that both under promised and overdelivered.

Alumni Spotlight: Brianna Sims

Our first alumni spotlight for October 2020 is Brianna Nicole Sims, a graduate of Dutchtown High School (2014) and of Howard University (2018); she currently works as National Sales Coordinator at Urban One Atlanta. Brianna says that 21CL gave her a foundation of what leadership really is and taught her what it means to be successful!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

After graduating from high school I attended Howard University and graduated in 2018 with a communications/public relations degree. After graduation I moved back to Atlanta and I currently work at Urban One Atlanta as a national sales coordinator. Through this role I’ve worked in ad sales and helped coordinate several events for the Atlanta urban community that have garnered thousands of attendees.

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

21st Century Leaders introduced me to the field that I am now in and connected me with industry leaders as well as peers and colleagues that I still keep up with years later.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21CL prepared me for both college and life after by teaching me how to network, cultivate professional relationships, and go after what I want. I learned the foundation of what leadership really is and learned a new outlook on what it means to be successful.

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

I participated in G5, now known as the Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI), at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School back in 2011 as a freshman in high school. This program was my first experience with networking with industry professionals who offered advice that has remained with me for the past 9 years. I also attended Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience (now the WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders) in 2012 which helped me land a project management internship with Turner Broadcasting while in college and introduced me to peers that I still keep in contact with today.

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

One memorable moment for me was being able to network with professionals at CNN and hearing the ins, out, positives, and negatives of the field that they chose. That was the moment I realized I wanted to work in the communications/marketing field.

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 taught me that there is no one definition of what leadership is. I’ve learned that there are many ways to lead successfully and it starts by believing in your own abilities and understanding that your perspective, your background, and what makes you different brings something new and special to every table that you sit at.

Alumni Spotlight: Amira Daugherty

Our second Alumni Spotlight for November 2019 is Amira Daugherty, a graduate of DeKalb Early College Academy (2016) and of Agnes Scott College (2019). She served as the President of Agnes Scott College’s Student Government Association for the 2017-2018 school year and this past summer, Amira worked for a Georgia Congressman and now serves as the Deputy Finance Director for Carolyn Bourdeaux’s campaign. Her professional accomplishments exemplify her ability to mix personal achievement and servant leadership. 

Amira says that 21st Century Leaders taught her to step out of her comfort zone in order to lead effectively. She aspires to become an attorney and run for public office!

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

My aspirations since I was a 21st Century Leader, is to become an attorney and run for public office and 2019 has been largely about ensuring these dreams come into fruition. This summer, I was named an MPAC Congressional Leadership Development Fellow and a Women’s Congressional Staff Foundation Scholar, both of which afforded me the opportunity to serve as an intern in the office of Congressman Hank Johnson. Currently, I serve as the Deputy Finance Director for Carolyn Bourdeaux, who is running for Congress to bring equity to healthcare, education, and accessible living.

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

21st Century Leaders’ training prepared me to be confident in a myriad of settings. From learning to present before Turner executives, to being trained on how to properly approach a standard three-course business dinner, 21CL exposed me to the world I am aiming to become a part of at a young age.

How did 21CL prepare you for your next steps? Going into college and taking on leadership roles, heading into a new era of professionalism, etc. What skills/tools/perspectives have helped you along the way?

21st Century Leaders emphasized the importance of servant leadership both inside and outside of the classroom. As a student, I felt compelled to lead classroom discussions, help lay ground rules for constructive dialogue, and to approach projects from a different angle than expected. As a student leader, I joined organizations that were not directly aligned with my own issues, as 21CL reminded us to reach outside of our comfort zones in order to lead effectively. I ultimately rose to the position of SGA President, making me the first Muslim student in the school’s history to do so. 21CL’s belief in me was undoubtedly a part of my development into the type of leader who could take on that role.

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

I participated in both Leadership Unplugged:A CNN Experience and the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute (now the WarnerMedia Youth Media Institute). I gained a lot of insight on media, and how to properly navigate this world as an aspiring public servant.

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

I made several life-long friends in 21CL, particularly from my work groups and teams! I am so inspired to see them still aspiring to lead in their communities, and it is such an honor to have been a part of their journey.

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

I have always believed in the power of servant leadership, but 21st Century Leaders was one of the first organization to give me a name for it. Every position I have held has required me to sit back and listen far more than I speak, which has helped me better empathize with the people I serve. I believe that the training sessions I had in high school made me hyper-aware of the way taking the time to listen is such a powerful tool in a leader’s belt.

Alumni Spotlight: William K. Holley, IV

Our second spotlight for September is William K. Holley, IV a graduate of DeKalb Early College Academy (2016) and currently a computer science senior at Georgia State University. He has served as 21CL Youth Ambassador and regularly volunteers with many organizations including 21st Century Leaders. William has also worked our summer leadership team for our summer leadership institutes in 2018 and 2019. In his post, William shares how 21CL facilitated him to understand the power of diversity and shaped his leadership style.

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.

I am a Computer Science senior at Georgia State University. I am also the Digital Editor of The Signal (the official student newspaper of Georgia State University) and a Cartoon Network Digital QA Intern.

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

Participating in 21CL through student programs and leadership roles gave me the experience, knowledge, and confidence necessary to sculpt my current and future self.

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?

Every exercise, conversation, and interaction with 21CL is designed to prepare you for professional world. Easily the most impactful skill/tool/perspective was that of social interaction. One’s ability to deliver a message accurately, passionately, and with respect is translatable to every situation in life.

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

I participated in the summer institutes including, Turner Voices Youth Media Institute in 2014 during my tenure as a student member of 21CL. I also served as a Youth Ambassador from 2014-2016 during the school years and attended the school-year leadership summits and service projects. My ability to communicate a clear and concise message was definitely improved the most through those programs and opportunities.

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 most memorable moment in 21CL was definitely winning the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute (now YMI) program in 2014. I was in a state of awe and was not expecting to then present the pitch on stage in front of about 120 people.

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. From the day you begin your journey with 21CL you will witness firsthand how diverse this world truly is. People from all walks of life come together with a centralized goal to lead in their schools, communities, social lives, and professions. Understanding the power of diversity and how it makes us stronger as a unit is easily the greatest way 21CL assisted me in developing my leadership style. I no longer go into situations thinking just of myself, but now of who I am, who I represent, and how I can make a positive impact on everyone.

Alumni Spotlight: Jared D. Howard

Jared. D. Howard is a graduate of Redan High School (2013), of Georgia State University (2017) and currently a graduate student at Belhaven University (2020); he works as Admissions Specialist at Morehouse School of Medicine. Jared describes himself as an actor, dancer, and singer who is making waves throughout the entertainment scene in  Atlanta, Georgia and he says that 21CL inspired him in many ways. He says it transformed him to be more vocal and assertive and helped him realize that one can never stop growing. 

Paint a brief picture of what you are doing now.
After obtaining my undergraduate degree in Theater performance from Georgia State University, I hit the ground running toward my calling. I work as Admissions Specialist at Morehouse School of Medicine and I spend most evenings and weekends rehearsing, filming, performing or auditioning for various projects. Most recently I was blessed with the opportunity to perform with the Marietta Theatre Company in their rendition of the musical comedy “Altar Boyz” and I am now rehearsing for my second stage musical of the year “HYPE!: The 90’s R&B Musical” with Yash Productions. I am currently featured in a number of independent web series, feature length and short films including “Connect the Series”, “GuyCode ATL”, “Deacon”, “High Stakes Game” and “Miscue”. While competitively dedicating myself to stage and film, I am working on the completion of my first music EP project as well.
How did participating in 21CL transform you and lead you to where you are now?
Participating in 21CL transformed me to be a lot more vocal and assertive. During my tenure, I learned that when getting things done you have to present yourself in the most professional and respectful way possible, while also making it clear what your goals are and the plan you expect to execute along the way. My leadership skills were certainly sharpened while attending the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute summer program. I found this program extremely beneficial because it opened my eyes to a lot more diversity. I was able to learn from and interact with a wider range of individuals who were not from my same area, skill set or background which prompted me to understand the minds and mannerisms of those around me.
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 instilled a work ethic and drive that I learned, during my college years, not a lot of people have. In most cases, it is up to you to get things done and no one will spoon feed you along the way. There may be a plethora of opportunities and resources presented to you along the way, but it is ultimately up to you to take advantage and establish your own branding and relationships. Branding was such an integral part of 21CL in my eyes because they taught us at an early age that what you sell yourself as is what people will perceive, so to always be careful and intentional with the relationships you build and power moves that you make.
Which programs did you participate in, and when? What skills did you gain or improve through those programs?
I participated in the WarnerMedia’s Youth Media Institute (formerly Turner’s Leadership Unplugged:CNN Experience) and I served on the Youth Ambassadors for my remaining year in the program. I gained a sense of what I wanted to do with my career. Initially, I had interest in the communications field, a part of me still does, but this program helped me realize that my passion was elsewhere. I gained a better skill of communication and I began to understand the logistics of behind the scenes productions.
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.?)
Meeting the on air anchors was the most memorable experience. That is when I realized that an on-camera career is what I was destined for. Watching the various promotional packages displayed during the retreat, Brooke Baldwin was actually the first on-camera talent to bring me to that realization, in the same token, she helped me realize that a career in world news journalism was not my peak of interest.
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 helped me realize that you can never stop growing. They allowed me to understand the basics and how to enhance the qualities that I possessed as a leader. I am currently studying to receive a master’s degree in Sports Administration to enhance my leadership skills and broaden my range of knowledge. One key component that I have personally adapted from studying at Belhaven University, is that keeping God first in your decision-making will take you further than you could ever imagine.