Letter from the Director
Dear Leaders,
As we head into 2025 and close out our milestone 35th Anniversary, I am inspired by the students and alumni who have helped shape the organization into what it is today. Throughout 2024, we reflected on the more than 20,000 students we have served since 1989, highlighting the accomplishments of remarkable alumni who are shaping their communities and the world, including Dr. Jyoti Sharma:
“21st Century leaders was critical in building my understanding of my leadership potential and abilities. It was a place to explore the kind of leader I wanted to be and gave me access to connect with others so I could understand what different kinds of leadership styles looked like in real life. It taught me that the concept of diversity encompasses more than just ethnicity and socioeconomic status and helped me to expand my idea of community and instilled in me the importance of seeking to understand others. As a practicing physician, I know that I am doing the right thing for the patient when I first listen and then seek to truly understand their concerns.”
- Dr. Jyoti Sharma, Chief Medical Officer, Piedmont Hospital, 21CL Alumni ‘98
For over three and half decades, 21st Century Leaders has been inspiring the next generation to lead in their schools, communities, and companies. I’m incredibly proud to serve an organization that doesn’t just talk about leadership values but truly lives them through its programs, staff , board, corporate partners, and volunteers. With that in mind, I’d like to share five inspiring highlights from 2023-2024 that exemplify our five core leadership values.
2023-2024 INSPIRING HIGHLIGHTS
INCLUSION
Breaking Barriers: This year, we served over 2,500 students from nearly half of the counties in Georgia, the highest number in our history, with 96% of those students receiving free transformative programming and experiences at no cost.
RESOURCEFUL
Expanding Reach: We continue to meet students where they are, leveraging and investing in our school and communitybased clubs, launching nearly 30 new 21CLubs across high schools and creating unparalleled opportunities for students to cultivate their leadership skills locally.
FORWARD THINKING
Leadership Certified: We introduced the first-ever Leadership Certificate, in partnership with Emory’s Goizueta Business School, for high school students, equipping them with advanced credentials and tools for success.
RESILIENT
Honoring Alumni: We proudly showcased 35 inspiring alumni who reflect the impact 21st Century Leaders has year after year. No matter what’s going on in the world or right at home, their achievements remind us of the incredible potential within every student.
SERVICE ORIENTED
Legacy Partners: 21st Century Leaders only exists because of the partners, volunteers, and donors who support it. We celebrated three legacy partners who have been with us since 1989. Please read more from Warner Bros. Discovery, Cox Enterprises, and Georgia Power on why this investment is important to them.
This year also marked the launch of our sustainability fund and the “Empowering Our Future” campaign, led by our Board of Directors. This million-dollar initiative is focused on ensuring our organization remains sustainable, accessible, and scalable for generations to come.
As we look to the new year and beyond, 21st Century Leaders remains committed to leading with our core values and vision to inspire youth to lead by providing accessible and lifechanging programs for all Georgia high school students.
On behalf of our board, staff , and students, thank you for being an integral part of our journey and students like Maya’s and Dr. Sharma’s. Whether you started this journey with us in 1989 or today, your support makes everything we accomplish possible.
In Service,
Kate Hewitt Executive Director
21CL has played a pivotal role in my journey, not only serving as the catalyst for my initiative but school success and giving me opportunities I never imagined. The organization inspired the creation of a club I founded, “College Chips” through insight I gained at summits and summer institutes, where networking with professionals provided valuable resources for college and career preparation.
–MAYA MATTHEWS, WESTLAKE HS, CLASS OF 2024, GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Our Leadership
Non-profits exist because of dedicated volunteers and extraordinary leaders who passionately advocate, guide, govern, and support the organization.
2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Deretta Rhodes, Board Chair EVP of Chief People Capital Atlanta Braves
Katelyn Fredericks, Board Secretary Partner | Nelson Mullins
Maria Flores Blackburn, CPA Board Treasurer, 21CL Alumni Sr. Financial Analyst | Southern Power
Maranie Brown
Vice President, Data Platforms & Solutions | BlackRock
Chris Caldwell
Vice President of Power Delivery | Georgia Power
Carla Chandler
Vice President and Market Chief Financial Officer | Geisinger
Arjun Chowdri
Senior Vice President, Membership & Retention | Hagerty
Martin Fleischmann Founder & CEO | AERO (All Electric Racing Organization)
Shelton Guinn SVP, Human Resource | Innova Solutions
Okema Jackson
Vice President of Media, Operations, Programming & Traffic | WABE
JP James Chairman | Libreum International Hive Financials
Alina Mencias
Program Manager | Start: Me ATL, Emory University’s Goizueta Business School
Jon Neff
Founder | Neff Advisory
Chi Nguyen Swallow Chief Financial Officer | Insight Global
Scott Riggs
Chief Operating Officer | White Cap
Chris Reynolds Community Volunteer
Mari Sifo EVP, Chief Human Resource Officer Host Hotels & Resorts
Katerina Taylor
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Nelson Mullins
Michael White Senior Director, Human Resources Cox Communications
Anqi Zou SVP, Fair & Responsible Banking Compliance Analytics Director | Truist
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Dennis Adamovich Chief Development Officer | Times Square Live Media Enterprises
Ellen Lindemann Retired Sr. Vice President Southern Company
Kathy Solley Special Counsel | Parker Poe
Kevin Sessions President | TalentQuest
Matt Johnson Principal | KPMG
Mike Szalkowski
Chief Financial Officer The Zalik Family Office
Patrick Solomon Founder | The Collective 180
Tyrone Johnson CEO | Cascade Services
It has been a personal passion of mine to always lift, support and influence young adults. As a mother of three young men, I have been focused on education and guiding them on living your dream and becoming a leader in all that you do. With that said, I am honored and humbled to be a part of 21st Century Leaders that does just that in their mission and all that they provide to the community. This is heart work for me and I am excited!
—DERETTA COLE RHODES, PH.D., BOARD CHAIRPERSON EVP OF CHIEF PEOPLE CAPITAL, ATLANTA BRAVES
DERETTA C. RHODES
Our Alumni Board
Chance Mack, Chair Account Executive, Workday Higher Education
Lauren Flanigan, Vice Chair Global Marketing Leader Mondelez International
Bridget Gorta, Secretary Digital Operations & Transformation Scrum Master | Delta
Kiah Davis Sr. Project Lead, Continuous Improvement, Chick-fil-A
Camaran Henson VP, Global Product Manager | Citi Bank
William Holley, IV Associate Product Manager Warner Bros Discovery
Imani Holmes Account Director | Real Chemistry
Asher Jones Diversity & Inclusion Manager MarketSource
THE WHY
Cristy Jones Talent Management Specialist University of Georgia
Brandon Ona Business Services Director Technical College System of Georgia
Jalen Polk Workday Consultant | Cognizant
Kalin Tate Sponsorship & Partnership Management NFL (National Football League)
Amara Tennessee Workforce Development and Outreach Coordinator | Vanguard Consulting Group, LLC
Tavari Turner Vice President, Youth Development Programs | Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee
Alfonzo Washington Teacher | DeKalb County School District
During my experiences in high school with 21st Century Leaders (21CL), I learned how to lead with purpose and passion. It also helped me with my confidence. I’ve always been a social person, but before 21CL I would let others assume the lead. One of my purposes now is to be a servant leader and I can’t think of a more impactful organization to serve than 21st Century Leaders.
— CHANCE MACK, CHAIR, ALUMNI BOARD ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, WORKDAY HIGHER EDUCATION
35 YEARS IN PHOTOS
CHANCE MACK
LEADERSHIP
COMPETENCIES COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY
PROBLEM SOLVING
INTEGRITY & TRUST
BUILDING EFFECTIVE TEAMS SELFDEVELOPMENT ACTIONORIENTED CAREER AMBITION
MISSION
21st Century Leaders® is a nonprofit organization that connects, transforms, and inspires high school students across Georgia to leverage and promote inclusion, explore career opportunities, and become leaders in their schools, communities, and ultimately the workforce.
VISION
To inspire youth to lead.
VALUES
Resourceful Resilient Inclusion
Service-Oriented Forward-Thinking
2024
by the Numbers
47% of Georgia’s counties served
257 high schools represented
Total Students 2,555
$41,500 scholarships provided to students for post-secondary education
609 live leadership training and experiences across all programs
63% of students face barriers to success: FREE & REDUCED LUNCH
FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE-BOUND
FIRST-GENERATION AMERICANS
PHYSICAL OR LEARNING DISABILITIES
SINGLE-PARENT HOUSEHOLDS
Program Pillar Highlights
Leadership Development
100% of graduating seniors said they now see themselves as a leader
91% of graduating seniors reported that they took on one or more leadership roles after joining 21st Century Leaders
Career Readiness
84% of students said they are clearer on knowing their career path after high school as a result of 21st Century Leaders, while 55% of students said they discovered a new career field they’re now interested in pursuing
96% of students agree they’ve gained skills to use both now and in the future
Inclusion
32%
of students said a 21CL program was their first time seeing someone who looks like them in a career or position they want to be in
96%
of students received free programming through 21st Century Leaders, eliminating financial barriers
21CL in 35 Years
Founded in 1989, 21st Century Leaders celebrated its impact and investment in the state of Georgia for the past 35 years as it connected, transformed, and inspired the next generation of leaders for companies and communities.
With a presence in 95% of Georgia’s counties, 21st Century Leaders has empowered more than 20,000 high school students across nearly every corner of the state.
LEGACY PARTNERS
Throughout our 35-year history, three company partners remained committed to our mission and vision of inspiring youth to lead by investing millions of dollars into youth and workforce development.
“Warner Bros. Discovery is proud of our longstanding partnership with 21st Century Leaders, and we celebrate their achievements over these last 35 years. Throughout our partnership, we have been fortunate to work with the incredible 21CL team to co-create engaging, in-depth student programs focused on building career pathways in the media and entertainment industry. I am proud to have witnessed, first-hand, the impact of the work, seeing so many 21CL students pursuing careers in the media industry and even joining our company as interns and full-time employees. We look forward to elevating our reach this year and remaining a source of mentorship and inspiration for the future leaders of our industry.”
— SYDNEY LANGDON, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AT WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY
“21st Century Leaders is celebrating 35 years of inspiring and empowering Georgia’s future STEAM leaders, and Cox is proud to be a part of this milestone. We are thrilled to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Through 21CL, we are advancing our mission to empower 34 million people by 2034. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for Georgia’s youth.”
— MAURY WOLFE, VICE PRESIDENT OF CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND SOCIAL IMPACT, COX ENTERPRISES
“At Georgia Power, our commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders is unwavering. For 35 years, our partnership with 21st Century Leaders has embodied our Values of Intentional Inclusion and Superior Performance, driving our mission to empower Georgia’s youth. By investing in their potential, we are not only shaping the future of our workforce but also enriching the communities we proudly serve. Together, we are creating a legacy of leadership, innovation and opportunity that will resonate for generations to come.”
— RACHEL WILLIAMS, VICE PRESIDENT OF TRANSMISSION FIELD OPERATIONS, GEORGIA POWER COMPANY, 21CL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A Million Dollar Future
21st Century Leaders launched its Empowering Our Future campaign, to ensure long-term organizational sustainability and expand accessible programs for all high school students in Georgia through its Sustainability Fund.
The campaign’s $1 million dollar goal will ensure the sustainability, scalability, and accessibility of all leadership programs. Every contribution supports the educational and leadership growth of the students, paving the way for a brighter future.
To support these efforts, the Alumni Board hosted its first ever Next Exec Conference in September 2024 at Emory’s Goizueta Business School to re-engage alumni, provide continuous leadership development training and raise support for the Empowering Our Future Campaign.
OUR GOAL: A MILLION-DOLLAR FUTURE
Student Programs
21st Century Leaders’ programs engage high school students in interactive leadership training facilitated by 21CL staff , alumni, subject matter experts, and corporate partners. High school students across Georgia can join 21st Century Leaders through any of our three premier programs: Leadership Connect, 21CLubs, and the Summer Leadership Institutes.
When a student becomes a 21st Century Leader, they have access to additional experiences and opportunities that will inspire them to lead and serve throughout high school, into the workforce, and beyond.
100% OF STUDENTS said they grew and developed in at least one of our core leadership competencies.
Leadership Connect
Established in 2014, Leadership Connect is 21CL’s interactive online learning platform, designed to make high-quality leadership development training accessible and engaging for students anywhere in Georgia.
178
Gamified Modules based around:
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
LIFE-READY SKILLS
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
2,705
Total Enrollment
62%
Increase in enrollment over last fiscal year
Having the Leadership Connect platform and being able to complete all lessons has given me basic foundation skills to work effectively with others which I think is important for us all to have.
– YAMILETH NAVARRETE, NORTH ATLANTA HS
When students learn, they earn! INCENTIVES & REWARDS
23
laptops + technology items
223 tickets to sporting events and experiences
$22,951 in gift cards awarded
CONNECTED: YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
(CYLP)
21st Century Leaders continues their partnership with Fulton County Government to serve 238 students in Fulton County with free access to Leadership Connect and special prizes through the The Fulton County CONNECTED: Youth Leadership Program (CYLP).
TAKE A PEEK INSIDE THE STUDENTS’ LEADERSHIP JOURNEY!
Leadership Connect is powered and supported by Rali, an Atlanta-based Change Experience Platform provider.
Goizueta Business School, Emory University
Leveraging a partnership of nearly 20 years, 21st Century Leaders and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School launched a Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship curriculum level in Leadership Connect.
This Level 4 capstone course is time-bound and project-based, enabling students to develop a business plan within a cohort that is coached by MBA candidates and graduates from the business school. Students pitch their business plan to judges at the end of the course. Students who complete this program earn a Leadership Certificate from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.
50 Lessons
14 Coaches
28 Students
This is the only program in the nation where students can earn this prestigious certificate while in high school.
21CLubs
21st Century Leaders Clubs (or 21CLubs) are community and school-based programs designed to build leadership and career pathway skills for students through a servant leadership mindset. Each 21CLub serves a dedicated group of students who are supported through the efforts of an advising teacher or faculty member, planning service projects and leadership forums about issues and topics important to their school and community.
2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
26 21CLubs
463 Students
131 Meetings
88 Service Projects + Leadership Forums
$50,000+ in direct financial resources to school and teachers
21st Century Leaders has allowed for Northview students to feel empowered in an academically stressful environment. They have learned to display their skills to the best order through various workshops focusing on applications and interviews. We also created a more socially responsible school through the various service projects we led or participated in. Overall, Northview High School and its surrounding community will benefit from 21st Century Leaders for the foreseeable future due to the emphasis on DEI and Community Service amongst the passion to be stronger leaders in the workforce.
- LE CHIN, ADVISOR FOR 21CLUB @NORTHVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Sponsors + Partners
$45,000+ in in-kind resources and programming to students
Scott Hudgens Family Foundation
LE CHIN
90%
of students reported their time in a 21CLub taught them practical skills to be a better leader.
Summer Leadership Institutes
Since 1991, 21CL ’s week-long summer leadership institutes have offered diverse high school students from across Georgia opportunities to develop leadership skills, gain career knowledge, and build workforce readiness. Participants also network with professionals and experience life on a college campus.
2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
4 institutes
2024 SUMMER IMPACT
of students reported they are more likely to seek out or continue seeking out leadership roles
students
reported that attending a 21CL program was their first time visiting a corporate campus
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here. I truly feel like I wouldn’t get this experience anywhere else and I am so lucky to be a part of a community as great as 21st Century Leaders. I gained so much knowledge and experience. Thank you so much!
– DYLAN JEFFERSON, THE WALKER SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2026
DYLAN JEFFERSON
SYLI@Goizueta June 2-7, 2024
Established in 2011, SYLI is 21CL’s businessfocused leadership institute hosted at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.
80 students
Healthcare & IT Institute (HII) June 23-28, 2024
Established in 2020, HII is 21CL’s healthcare and information technologyfocused leadership institute hosted at Kennesaw State University.
SYLI Partners: HII Partners:
75 students
2024 SUMMER LEADERSHIP INSTITUTES
Film and Entertainment Institute July 14-19, 2024
EarthCare: The Leadership Challenge of the 21st Century June 9-14, 2024
Since 2006, 21st Century Leaders and legacy partner Warner Bros. Discovery have prepared over 1,685 students for careers in the film, production and entertainment industry through their collaborative media-focused leadership institutes hosted at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Sponsored by:
54 students
Established in 2008, EarthCare is 21CL’s energy, sustainability, and STEM-focused leadership institute supported by legacy partner Georgia Power, hosted at Georgia College & State University.
95 students
Sponsored by:
Student Experiences
At 21st Century Leaders, we believe that leadership is an ongoing journey. When students join one of our three main programs, they gain access to a wide range of experiences throughout high school.
These include one-day summits, leadership roles, paid summer internships, and college scholarships, allowing students to participate in and earn additional opportunities.
“I learned that I can make an impact today and that I am capable of working and connecting with anyone.”
– KELLY BAKER, PEACHTREE RIDGE HS, CLASS OF 2026
I learned that I can make an impact today and that I am capable of working and connecting with anyone.
– Kelly Baker, Peachtree Ridge HS, Class of 2026
KELLY BAKER
Leadership Summits
Leadership exCHANGE
Saturday, November 11, 2023
At Junior Achievement Discovery Center of North Georgia
This summit is 21CL ’s annual fall leadership training experience. Students engage in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training and social justice awareness with corporate sponsors of the summit.
Partner:
Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit
Saturday, February 10, 2024
At Emory University’s Goizueta Business School
GYLS is 21CL ’s annual winter summit presented by Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in which students participate in a team-oriented case competition under the mentorship of the business school’s MBA students through Goizueta Gives.
Southwest Georgia Youth Leadership Summit
Thursday, December 7, 2023
At Andrew College in Cuthbert, GA
21st Century Leaders hosted its inaugural Southwest Georgia Leadership Summit for students at high schools in southwest rural Georgia. At the summit, 73 students across six counties created elevator pitches and networked with professionals at college and career roundtables, built effective and inclusive teams, and went on a campus tour.
Partner:
Youth Ambassadors
This leadership experience selects a motivated group of 21CL students to represent the diverse perspectives of the existing statewide student body. Students serving in this leadership role work together to create meaningful opportunities to engage more (and new) 21st Century Leaders across Georgia through outreach, service projects, advocacy, and program initiatives.
2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
30 Youth Ambassadors
16 speaking roles at programming and special events
14 counties represented by students
I would describe this as a life changing and eye opening experience. It is definitely worth trying whether it is out of your comfort zone.
– HEYMI ARGUELLO-ESPINOZA, BALDWIN HS, CLASS OF 2025
Summer Internship & Scholarships
This leadership experience provides real-world exposure and hands-on learning while financially supporting young leaders for life after high school. Graduating seniors receive a 4-6 week paid summer internship and a $2,500 scholarship to their post-secondary institution upon completion.
2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
11 Intern Placements
$27,500 in post-secondary scholarships awarded
1,650 hours of paid work experience
36% of students reported that this internship was their first job
It was an amazing experience, as I was able to work in a biology lab and further my passion for biomedicine, motivating me to pursue a career in healthcare in the future.
– ISHITA SUKUL, JOHNS CREEK HS, CLASS OF 2024, GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Sponsors + Partner Host Sites HOT COFFEE
35th Anniversary Alumni Spotlight
IMPACT THROUGH THE DECADES
For our 35th anniversary, we shared the stories of 35 alumni showcasing the leaders they are today and how 21st Century Leaders inspired and impacted their journey. Alumni represented the 3.5 decades since our founding in 1989 – the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR 21CL ALUMS
1990s
“21CL prepared me for more than I could have known or imagined. From working a 20+ year career at the top media companies in the country, to owning my own business, I know that 21CL laid the foundation”. – BRANDI HARRISON
2000s
“Participating in 21st Century Leaders gave me the unique exposure of opportunities I never knew existed. 21CL taught me confidence that my voice and leadership style was valuable, and the program cultivated my speaking skills to gain that seat at the table.”
Keyla
Cisely
35TH ANNIVERSARY SPOTLIGHT
2010s
“21st Century Leaders took a chance on me when I first came to the US. I am an example of what investing in your community looks like: a former Iraqi refugee who fled the war has made it to college, and now medical school. 21CL has shaped my personal and professional identity, seamlessly integrating academic excellence with a comprehensive understanding of leadership principles and fostering a profound sense of self-awareness.”
–ABDALLAH AL-OBAIDI
2020s
“21st Century Leaders assisted me in developing a leadership style that’s focused on people first, and that’s been the difference between the success and failure of everything I’ve done academically and professionally in college. When people recognize that you genuinely care about them and their ideas and talents, you’ll succeed. I learned that thanks to 21CL and I practice it everyday.” –JAMES WILSON
Abdullah Al-Obaidi
Anntoniette Walker
Estefi Herrera Account Strategist Google Class of 2016
Lawrence Massey Engagement Consultant Cigna Healthcare Class of 2010
Mary Grace
Patrice Johnson
Philip Musey, Jr. Founder
Simone Maxwell Vice President of Data Analytics
Taylor Thomas Program Associate
Tonia Brown Meteorologist, Content Creator
Tony Nguyen Engagement Financial Advisory Analyst | Deloitte Class of
Jade Benett
James Wilson
Lailah Simmons
Munzir Ataalsid
Special Events
Throughout the year, 21st Century Leaders brought together business leaders, alumni, and community supporters to celebrate youth leadership and raise funds for yearround programs.
These special events support the ongoing work of the organization, enhancing opportunities for students across the state.
BE THE INSPIRATION GALA
MARCH 23, 2024
ZOO ATLANTA
LEADERBOARD
OCTOBER 17, 2023
THE RIVER CLUB IN SUWANEE, GEORGIA
Be the Inspiration Gala
MARCH 23, 2024 AT ZOO ATLANTA
PRESENTED BY
Event Co-Chairs + Board Members: Mari Sifo | Host Hotels & Resorts, & Chi Nguyen | Insight Global
The Be the Inspiration Gala, held at Zoo Atlanta in celebration of 21st Century Leaders’ 35th anniversary, brought together over 300 attendees to support year-round leadership training programs for more than 2,500 Georgia students.
The event honored 21 extraordinary high school leaders with the prestigious Georgia Youth Leadership Awards (GYLA), recognizing their exceptional contributions as nonprofit founders, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. These students exemplified leadership in action and were awarded $11,000 in scholarships, making the evening a true celebration of youth leadership and impact.
Sponsors + Partners
Warner Bros. Discovery
Cox Enterprises
Host Hotels & Resorts
Georgia Power
Atlanta Braves
MarketSource
MERCER Government
Aflac
Southern Power
Insight Global
Chris Reynolds + a friend
WellStar
Nordson
EmployBridge
Goizueta Business School
SCANA Energy
LocumTenens.Com
Nelson Mullins
APCO Holdings
Panasonic Automotive
Delta Community Credit Union
BlackRock
Bessemer Trust
Arjun Chowdri
Sherpa Global
Leaderboard
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2023
THE RIVER CLUB IN SUWANEE, GA
Event Chair + Board Member: Scott Riggs, White Cap
21st Century Leaders’ annual charity golf tournament brings together business and community leaders with program alumni to raise support for our year-round services.
$101,381 Raised
Sponsors + Partners
Dayton Superior
Quikrete
Husqvarna
OCM-Inc
MarketSource
CoastalStates Bank
Southern Company
Stego Industries
DeWalt
21CL was the ideal space for me to step out of my comfort zone. I connected with a diverse cohort of young leaders from across the state, many of which I’m still friends with to this day. I was exposed to the nuance and complexity of an international media company and the variety of departments it consisted of. Fast forward to almost 10 years later and I’m now the Product Manager at the Bleacher Report – working for the very same company who invested in a 21st Century Leader all those years ago.
– WILLIAM HOLLEY, ALUMNI BOARD, WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY
114 Players
DuPont
Euclid Chemical
Pike Electric
Wire-Bond
Libreum International/ HIVE
Financials
Prime Source
3M
Owens Corning
24 Corporate Sponsors
Guardian
SpecChem
Leviat
Bosch
Makita
Pyramex
RiskBridge Advisors
Servant Leadership In Action
SPOTLIGHTING VOLUNTEERS AND IN-KIND SUPPORT
21st Century Leaders thrives through the collaboration of businesses, professionals, and volunteers. Their support, talent, and dedication to developing youth leadership are essential to the success of all 21CL programs.
In 2024, 21CL received over a quarter of a million dollars in in-kind support including volunteer hours, food, beverages, venue space, and program supplies. This generous support allowed us to deliver high-quality experiences to all participants.
VOLUNTEER STATS
$82,921
If you have the time, I encourage you to go back to the communities that have shaped you and breathe life into the young adults who now sit where you once did. For them the journey has just begun and there is much to be hopeful for. And when we come back, the ones who have made it out and are soaring past our wildest imaginations, we give them the courage to do the same. Thank you so much to 21st Century Leaders, Inc. for allowing me to give back. The future is bright!
– JILL MARTIN, 21CL ALUMNI, SR. PRODUCT MARKETING SPECIALIST, HONEYWELLL
JILL MARTIN
2023-2024 STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
(October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024)
*A full copy of our independent Auditors Report performed by Reed, Quinn & McClure is available online at www.21stcenturyleaders.org/our-impact
Donors
Programs like 21st Century Leaders are key to the development of young people’s soft skills. Many times, academia focuses on technical skills but does not always spend time on the skills that help young people interact with adults during interviews, during lunches/dinners, communicating with people via email professionally, and working as a team. All these skills are critical in the workplace and lead to success. Why not start cultivating these skills in high school? I often tell young people that I come across, ‘find a good internship, co-op, or program that can help you prepare for the workplace’. 21st Century Leaders does that and more.
- KEYLA CABRET-LEWIS, VP OF DEI, AFLAC, 21CL ALUMNI
CORPORATIONS
Aflac
Atlanta Braves
Attento Counseling
The Bessemer Group, Inc.
BlackRock
Bosch
Coastal States Bank
The Coca-Cola Company
Cox Enterprises
Delta Community
Credit Union
DeWalt
DuPont
Emory University Goizueta
Business School
Employbridge
Euclid Chemical
Georgia Power Company
Google Inc.
Hive Financial Assets
Host Hotels & Resorts
The Icebox
Insight Global
The Kroger Co.
Leviat
Libreum International
LocumTenens.com
Makita
Marketsource
Mercer Government
Milwaukee Tool
The Mosquito Masters
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP
Noble Investment Group
OCM-Inc
Owens Corning
Panasonic Automotive
North America
Piedmont Healthcare
Pike
Pyramex Safety Products, LLC
RiskBridge Advisors, LLC
Roy Wagner
Savannah Distributing Co. Inc.
SCANA Energy
Sherpa Global
Simpson Strong-Tie
Southern Power
Stego Industries
Truist
Voices for Georgia’s Children
Wellstar Health Systems
White Cap
FOUNDATIONS
ASFIP Foundation
Atlanta Foundation
The Club of Hearts, Inc.
Cousins Foundation
John & Mary Franklin Foundation, Inc.
Georgia Power Foundation
Kiwanis Foundation of Atlanta, Inc.
Nordson Corporation Foundation
Pitney Bowes Foundation
The Carlo and Micol and Schejola Foundation
GOVERNMENT
DeKalb County Government
Human Services Department
Fulton County Youth and Community Services Division
Georgia Department of Education
IN-KIND SUPPORT
Atlanta Braves
Bridgestone
CFA Society Atlanta
The Coca-Cola Company
Chick-fil-A
Cleveland Golf
Christy Associates
The Color Spot
Cox Enterprises
Georgia Power
KEYLA CABRET-LEWIS
Goizueta Gives
Emory University’s Goizueta
Business School
Inspire Brands Foundation
Launch Pointe Productions
LocumTenens.com
Manheim
Nelson Mullins
Nordson Corporation
Piedmont Healthcare
PGA of America
Pro-Bono Partnership of Atlanta
Pyramex
Rali
SCANA Energy*
Society of Human Resource Management–Atlanta
Southern Company
Warner Bros. Discovery Studios
Warner Bros. Discovery
Wellstar Health System
Whitecap
INDIVIDUALS
Deidra Abbott
Julie Allen
Aditi Ashok
Amari Atterberry
Monica Awe
Samuel Bailey
Vander Bannister
Clarissa Barron
Monique Bell
Curtis Bennett
Maria Flores Blackburn
Jonathan Blalock
Craig Blythe
Kimberlin Bolton
Celeste Bottorff
Maranie Brown
Valerie Brown
Erik Bryant
Katherine Bryant
Kelvina Burrell
Kumar Byakod
Paul Caldwell
Peyton Callanan
Richard Cannon
Fran Carroll
Cheryl Chamberlain
Carla Chandler
Emily Chang
Fabian Chinea
Arjun Chowdri
Kris Christy
Greg Clay
Brian Collins
DePorres Cormier
Kesha Crump
Sara Dada
Susannah Darrow
Charles Davis
Kiah Davis
Leize Davis
Vani Doddla
Scott Doyne
Caroline Egan
Chandra Farley
Walt Farrell
Daphne Flanigan
Lauren Flanigan
Jessica Frost
Anne Gahongayire
Heather Gavranovic
Courtney Geib
Nichole Gillis
Bridget Gorta
Brenda Greene
Melissa Greene
Taylor Benford Green
Taylor Green
Cheryl Hahn
Brandi Harrison
Cam Henson
Kate Hewitt
Morgan Hewitt
Shannon Higdon
Kristy Hoffman
Tashika Holloway
Imani Holmes
Arina Hooks
Lisa R Hosecloth
Leishi Hu
Melanie Huet
William Holley, IV
Okema Jackson
Matt Johnson
Tyrone Johnson
Christy Jones
Cristy T. Jones
James Jones
Nellie Jones
Stokes Jones
Thomas Judge
Anshuman Khadanga
Grace Kilgore
Lindsay Kirk
Octavian Kitchens
Lenora Kopkin
Sue Lewis-Jones
Ellen Lindemann
Mark Lindemann
Bari Love
Chance Mack
Whitney Deal Marshall
Elizabeth McCune
Nicole Meadows
Priscilla Medeiros
Alina Mencias
Andrea Miles
Joel Montalvo
Nefetari Murph
Christian Murphy
Brooke Murray
Jon Neff
Ken Nesbitt
Kim Nguyen
Tony Nguyen
Taunia Nkromo-Stevenson
Camille Oakes
Kunle Oguneye
Brandon Ona
Karen Ona
Ryan Palmore
Timothy Parham
Yong Peng
DeRetta Rhodes Ph.D.
Debra Polk
Jalen Polk
Marcus Polk
Markus Polk
Rosalynne Price
Adriane Randolph
Julia Raposo
Dan Redler
Chris Reynolds
Mike Ripley
Erin Lightfoot Robinson
Terry Robinson
Krista Rouse
Nicole Schwartz
Mindy Schweitzer-Rawls
Dr. Jyoti Sharma
Mari Sifo
Kathy Solley
Patrick Solomon
Matthew Steinberg
Kathryn Sullivan
Chi Nguyen Swallow
Mike Szalkowski
Ashley Tackett
Yannie Tan
Mia Thacker
Chad Thayer
Dr. Randell Trammell
Tavari Turner
Chuck Vaughn
Mira Walker
Natalie Walker
Jason Wallace
Alfonzo Washington
Bob Watson
Mary Grace Watson
De’Asha Watts
Michael White
Jordan Whittle
Brandon Williams
Hunter Williams
Kristopher Williams
Leslie Williams
Rachel Williams
Thurman Williams
Carol Wood
Ting Yu
Anqi Zou
Yvonne Zusel
100% of our Board of Directors made a financial contribution.
We thank all donors and companies for their in-kind donations for our 2024 Be the Inspiration Gala. *21st Century Leaders is proud to manage SCANA Energy’s Homework Centers.
