2020 Annual Report - 21st Century Leaders by 21st Century Leaders

2020

Annual Report

www.21stCenturyLeaders.org

2020 Annual Report

It became necessary to befriend resiliency in our operations and, to embrace the relevancy of our mission in 2020. And as it turned out, by focusing on our resilience and our

Instead, we leaned into our long-standing DEI work and

relevance, 21st Century Leaders was able to focus on the

curriculum, hosting deeper conversations on racism in our

opportunity within the moments of uncertainty. No matter

community and empowering our Youth Ambassadors to

the obstacle, our commitment to our students and our

lead social justice initiatives. We leveraged our technology

mission never waivered.

and existing online learning platform, Leadership Connect, to pivot all in-person programming. We built four additional

In 1989 we were founded by business professionals who

customized online modules for our summer leadership

saw a gap in the readiness and diversity of leaders within

institutes. We created another 30 lessons focused on

the workforce, our mission to connect, transform, and

civic engagement, financial literacy, health and wellness,

inspire high school students from diverse backgrounds

and professionalism. We connected and partnered with

across Georgia. We helped them learn to leverage-diversity,

other non-profit and youth serving agencies to support

explore career opportunities, and become leaders in their

their students online, and in doing so, doubled our student

schools, communities, and ultimately the workforce. We

enrollment within Leadership Connect.

were reminded that this work is just as relevant in 2020 as it was over 30 years ago. Add to the mix the disruption

The launch of our new summer leadership institute

of a global pandemic and the momentum of the movement

focused on leadership and workforce development in the

for social justice and it becomes necessary, once again,

Healthcare and IT industry was more timely than we could

to embrace the notion that we must continue to invest in

have ever imagined. We served 30% more students last

growing the potential of every student. Our student Jordan

summer in a time when the need was greatest.

Tyler, Class of 2021 captured this best in his reflection after attending our summer program that, “Everyone can

We were resilient. We are relevant.

be a leader. You don’t have to be a certain gender, race, or nationality to be a leader”.

As we reflect on our impact in 2020, we also look to the diverse body of students who represent 21st

When schools switched to distance learning, and the

Century Leaders as well as our staff, leadership, partners,

college campuses that host our summer leadership

volunteers, and donors who supported them. We all chose

institutes closed, and gatherings were postponed, we had

to show up every day and give our best to the situation -

a choice to make our path forward and required us to be

no matter how hard it was. We connected with each other

flexible and nimble as circumstances changed around us.

through the screen and opened the door to opportunities.

We focused on the relevance of our mission to students

We provided mental/emotional support and empowerment

searching for stability. We knew it was important to be

to our students, and closed the distance with kindness

there for our students, and thankfully, we were prepared.

and empathy for one another. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to the

We didn’t cancel programs. We didn’t shy away from the diversity and inclusion conversations that we’ve always had with our students.

opportunities that lay ahead.

Sincerely,

Kate Hewitt

www.21stcenturyleaders.org

Table of Contents p.

Letter from Executive Director

06-07

Our Mission/Overall Numbers

16-17

30 for 30 Alumni Awards

22-23 Donor List

Board of Directors

08-10

School-based Programs

18-19

Special Events

Advisory Council & Junior Board of Directors

11-15

Summer Programs

20-21 Finances

2020 Annual Report

2019-2020 Board of Directors • Matt Johnson, Board Chairman, Principal | KPMG • Katelyn Fredericks, Board Secretary, Partner | Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough, LLP • Maria Flores Blackburn, CPA, Board Treasurer, 21CL Alumni, Tax Accountant | Southern Company • Chris Caldwell, VP of Power Delivery | Georgia Power • Steve Cave, SVP and Global Treasurer | Exide Technologies • Dr. Corey Dortch, 21CL Alumni, Asst. Dean of Evening MBA Programs | Emory University, Goizueta Business School • Jordan Webber Edwards, Associate | Alston & Bird, LLP • Martin Fleischmann, CEO + Founder | All Electric Racing Organization • Hector Gallardo, VP of National Account Sales | The Coca-Cola Company • Bridges Holmes, Director, Diversity & Inclusion and Corporate Social Responsibility | MarketSource • Danette Johnson, Owner | Dot & Lace, Inc. • JP James, Chairman | Libreum International • Yolanda Lewis, Sr. Director, Safety & Justice, State Governments | The Pew Charitable Trusts • Jon Neff, COO | Hire Dynamics • DeRetta Cole Rhodes, Ph.D., SVP of Human Resources | Atlanta Braves • Scott Riggs, Regional VP, Southeast | HD Supply Construction & Industrial • Patrick Solomon, Founder | Unravel, LLC • Steven Staes, COO & Counsel | K&G Fashion Superstore • Michael White, Director of Human Resources | Cox Communications

Our Junior Board is comprised solely of 21st Century Leaders Alumni

Junior Board of Directors

Advisory Council

www.21stcenturyleaders.org

•

Kathy Solley, Chair, Partner | Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough, LLP

•

Dennis Adamovich, Former CEO | Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

•

Art Evans, Sr. Director - Talent Management | Atlanta Braves

•

Ellen Lindemann, Assistant Director | Lekotek GA

•

Rosalynne Price, Sr. Manager of Diversity | Cox Enterprises, Retired

•

Mike Szalkowski, Family Office Manager | Schejola Partners, LP

•

Brandi Harrison, Jr. Board Chair, Director of Production | WarnerMedia

•

Chance Mack, Jr. Board Vice Chair, Enterprise Account Executive | Diverst

•

Erin Lightfoot, Jr. Board Secretary, MBA Candidate | Emory University's Goizueta Business School

•

Taylor Benford, Management Consulting Senior Analyst | Accenture

•

Peyton Callanan, Marketing Manager | Visit Sandy Springs

•

Emmanuel Elsar Jr., Digital investments Account | Havas Media Group

•

Adriana Embus-Figueroa, Financial Analyst | Samuel A Ramirez & Co., Inc.

•

Lauren Flanigan, Brand Manager of Trident Equity | Mondelez, International

•

Michael Lee Jr., Director of Marketing | North Myrtle Beach Chamber/ CVB

•

Mic Miller, District Sales Rep. | Aflac

•

Josephine Obiofuma, Owner | Nkechi Collection, Law Student | Emory University Law School

•

Liesel Stanhope, Attorney | Connecticut Veterans Legal Center

•

Brandon Ona, Associate International Trade Manager | Georgia Department of Economic Development

•

Tavari Turner, Director of Grants & Special Initiatives | Boys and Girls Club of Chattahoochee Valley Inc.

•

Alfonzo Washington, Teacher | Henry County School District

2020 Annual Report

Our Mission/Overall Numbers Mission: 21st Century Leaders® is a non-profit organization that connects, transforms, and inspires high school students across Georgia to leverage-diversity, explore career opportunities, and become leaders in their schools, communities, and

Leadership Competencies

Leadership Values

ultimately the workforce.

Leverage Diversity

Resourcefulness

Passionate

Service-Oriented

Forward-Thinking

Effective Communication

Problem Solving

Building Effective Teams

Action - Oriented

Integrity/Trust

Self-Development

Career Ambition

www.21stcenturyleaders.org

Overall Student Numbers for October 2019 - September 2020

1051 students

8% increase in students served over LY

61%

39%

Female

African American

of students Face Barriers to Success

Male

178 days 57%

47%

22%

of live or virtual leadership training across all programs

Asian Pacific Islander

12%

Caucasian

Hispanic/Latino

Other Bi-Multi Racial

"Thank you to all of the mentors and leaders from 21CL who were able to put together such an interactive and exciting program! I am grateful that I could still have the experience and grow as a leader through the virtual activities. I look forward to participating in more activities through 21CL!" - Kriti Madhusudan, Milton High School, Class of 2022

2020 Annual Report

School-Based Programs • Summits & Training • 21CLubs

• Leadership Connect • Youth Ambassadors

Leadership Summits Fall Summit Leadership exCHANGE is 21CL’s live leadership training experience held in the Fall. Leadership exCHANGE focuses on the exchanging of ideas, thoughts, and career opportunities on a range of topics and themes. The 2019 Fall Leadership exCHANGE was sponsored by Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) at their headquarters in Sandy Springs, GA. At the summit, students learned about leadership and professional development through networking, a diverse panel, and workshops about workforce and college prep, all led by MBUSA executives and employees from the company’s employee resource group.

students and

volunteers; two

$500

post-secondary scholarships provided by MBUSA

Winter Summit - Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit Our Goizueta Youth Leadership Summit (GYLS) is our two-day immersive leadership experience at the beginning of the second school semester. Our 2020 summit theme focused on careers within the Sports Industry and was sponsored by The Atlanta Braves Foundation. The summit engaged students in two days of learning from sports industry leaders through panelists, workshops, a tour of Truist Park and an intensive business case competition with Goizueta Gives, the community-service group of MBA candidates at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. “I enjoyed the diversity in people and their backgrounds, jobs, and roles within their companies, and I enjoyed the advice they provided.” – Ripley-Simone Kennebrew, Northview HS, Class of 2020

students representing

high schools and

volunteers

81% of students report that after attending the summit they feel more prepared to enter the workforce

www.21stcenturyleaders.org

21CLubs 21st Century Leaders Clubs (or 21CLubs) are community- and school-based programs designed to build leadership and career pathway skills for students through student-led meetings, service projects, and leadership forums. Each 21CLub serves 20-25 students who are supported through the efforts of an advising teacher or faculty member. Plus, through our online learning platform Leadership Connect and our live school-year summits, 21CLub students are developing the competencies they need to be competitive in college and career.

14 21

active 21CLubs

137

students

service projects and 5 leadership forums

Resilient: Due to COVID19 restrictions, 21CLubs were forced to find creative ways to operate virtually. Many students created open forums as well as participated in virtual meetings, service projects, and donation drives in order to aid healthcare workers in the midst of the pandemic.

"My favorite part about being involved with 21st Century Leaders was the opportunity to meet and network with other members outside of my school to see what else the organization has to offer." - Amesha Adams, 21CLub President at DeKalb Early College Academy, 2020-2021

2020 Annual Report

Leadership Connect

551 enrolled

Established in 2014, Leadership Connect is 21CL’s online learning platform designed to make high-quality leadership development training accessible and engaging for students anywhere in Georgia. Leadership Connect’s self-paced, interactive curriculum is focused on our 7-core leadership competencies and provides students with an online training resource and community for peer-to-peer engagement. With 93 gamefied modules and “to-do” activities covering leadership skills, career exploration, and social-emotional intelligence training, Leadership Connect allows students to begin or continue their leadership journey through its engaging, virtual learning community.

“So far, I am really enjoying this program and it would be very useful to apply the leadership skills I learned in the future. Currently, the lessons I liked the most are constructing and receiving feedback, accepting imperfections, and proper email etiquette." - Kevin Lee, Northview High School, Class of 2021 Over

80%

of students surveyed indicated that they obtained an additional leadership role as a result of being in Leadership Connect

During 2020, Leadership Connect became absolutely essential in delivering programming to students due to COVID 19. Its inclusion in the summer leadership institutes as well as the additional partnerships and 21CLubs have greatly increased the number of students in the system and allowed for LC to more than double its growth, to 551 students enrolled.

Youth Ambassadors Our Youth Ambassadors are a group of highly engaged and motivated 21CL students who take on a servant leadership role and work together on fulfilling the mission of the organization. These students are selected through a competitive application and interview process and represent the diversity of our state-wide student body. They plan programming, organize service projects, and serve as the face and voice of 21st Century Leaders at programming and events. Each year they champion a student-led campaign on Georgia Gives Day and for National Youth Leadership Month in February!

Youth Ambassadors

Raised over

$4,000

service projects and a Voting initiative (including volunteering as pollworkers, writing articles regarding the election, racial injustice, voting rights and general election information.)

through 2 fundraisers to provide student scholarships for Leadership Connect enrollment and Summer Leadership Institute registration

“I’ve been able to be a part of this honorable organization for about two years and not only have I witnessed personal growth, but I see myself being a more confident leader. I’ve been able to learn vital skills, meet students from across the state of Georgia, and continue to be inspired daily by these students." - Michael Garcia, 2019-2020 Youth Ambassador Chair, Cherokee High School, Class of 2020

www.21stcenturyleaders.org

Summer Programs

In light of the pandemic, we successfully pivoted to virtual and incorporated Leadership Connect.

Summer Leadership Institutes Our summer leadership institutes are our flagship program, first launching in 1991. For 29 years, we hosted these applicationbased programs on college campuses for a week-long residential experience. Due to COVID-19 and campus closures, the institutes took place virtually for our 30th summer, integrating live video conferencing and customized modules in 21CL’s online learning platform Leadership Connect. In 2020, we hosted four week-long virtual summer leadership institutes, including the launch of a new Healthcare & IT Institute, serving 284 high school students from across Georgia.

98% of students said that the institutes, presented virtually, met or exceeded their

94% of students whose confidence as a leader increased because of the institute

25% reported that their experience at the summer leadership institute was their first time interacting with peers outside their geographic area.

"I am a part of the next generation of diverse leaders and I have to act in such ways. I need to take the skills I have learned and truly apply them to my life and grow as a person and leader. I also have learned that the sky is the limit and that I can't limit myself to certain things because I can achieve anything I put my mind to." - Niara Butler, Denmark HS, Class of 2021

2020 Annual Report

Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI) Since 2011, 21st Century Leaders has been partnering with multiple corporate partners to host it’s Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI). SYLI is a week-long dynamic and business-focused leadership development program held the first week of June. Support from our corporate and foundational partners, including The Coca-Cola Company, MarketSource, Emory's Gouizueta Business School, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta &United Way of Greater Atlanta, Cox Enterprises, DeKalb County Human Services, John & Mary Franklin Foundation, KPMG, Kiwanis Foundation of Atlanta, and Nordson Foundation, as well as individual donors provided the virtual SYLI 2020 experience at no cost to the students. From May 31 - June 4, 2020, students explored different facets of the business world through engaging workshops with passionate professionals, networking opportunities and corporate insights. Professionals from The Coca-Cola Company, MarketSource, Start:ME Social Enterprise at Emory’s Goizueta Business School, Atlanta Braves and more helped students develop personal and professional leadership skills - such as communication, change management, diversity and inclusion, innovation - and explore career possibilities through the live video conferencing sessions and 6 custom modules in Leadership Connect, like the “Elevator Pitch” and a business plan lesson from Start:ME.

2020 Stats

students representing

57%

different high schools participated.

reported that their career interest was reaffirmed by their experience

volunteers

59%

reported that they discovered a new career field they're now interested in that they didn't realize prior to attending.

"Something I learned about business is to keep trying. Resilience is key when starting or developing a business, because you probably won’t succeed the first time, but you can’t stop trying and wait for the "right time," because there is no right time. With leadership I learned to always resort to your values in tough times, and never forget people are looking at you for help, so stay level headed." - Grant Hill, Wesleyan, Class of 2021

www.21stcenturyleaders.org

Healthcare & IT Institute (HII) In the midst of a pandemic, 21st Century Leaders launched a new summer leadership institute focused on healthcare and healthcare information technology (IT). The Healthcare & IT Institute (HII), is a week-long health career-focused leadership development program held in July. Support from corporate partners, including Piedmont Healthcare, Attento Counseling, Meadows Health, Lace &Dot: A People &Culture Boutique, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta &United Way of Greater Atlanta, DeKalb County Human Services, as well as individual donors provided the inaugural HII experience to students at no cost. From July 12 - July 16 2020, students explored different aspects of the healthcare world through engaging workshops with passionate professionals, networking opportunities and corporate insights. Students learned about clinical careers with Piedmont Healthcare, public health with a crisis-response simulation from Georgia State University’s School of Public Health, and explored careers through networking with professionals from the tech and business sides of healthcare and 6 custom modules in Leadership Connect including an introduction of the BrainLab at Kennesaw State University’s Coles College of Business and a personal mental health topography from Attento Counseling, who led a workshop on mental wellness and

2020 Stats

students from

72%

different high schools participated.

reported that their career interest was reaffirmed by their experience

43 48%

volunteers

reported that they discovered a new career field they're now interested in that they didn't realize prior to attending.

“My biggest takeaway from this experience is that as high schoolers and leaders, we need to stop doubting our potential. Our world is changing and hurting right now, but that means that we are the hope to make a positive impact. If we continually tell ourselves that we cannot accomplish something because we have convinced ourselves that we are simply ordinary, we can't make the impact our world needs. As a generation, we have great potential. Even beyond the field of healthcare, I know that this week, I was on Zoom calls with individuals that are going to touch so many lives and make this world so much brighter. I was on Zoom calls with future researchers that are going to be a part of technologies that save lives, future doctors that are going to touch lives, future business leaders going to impact lives, and current students that have already been a bright spot in so many lives. I am so honored that I got to be a part of that diverse group, and that it is time to start using our unique skills and gifts for good in our world because after this week I am even more confident that our generation is going to change our world.” - Morgan Byers, East Jackson Comprehensive High School, Class of 2022

2020 Annual Report

EarthCare: The Leadership Challenge of the 21st Century Supported by Georgia Power Foundation Since 2008, 21st Century Leaders and the Georgia Power Foundation have partnered together for EarthCare, our energy and STEMfocused summer leadership institute, serving 1,116 students to date. Through the support of Georgia Power Foundation, 100 students are accepted each year to participate in this week-long leadership development program at no cost. From July 19 - July 23, 2020, students from across Georgia engaged online in various environmental, sustainability, and leadership challenges with Georgia Power professionals and community leaders, who led interactive workshops on diversity and inclusion, public speaking with Southern Company’s Toastmasters, networking roundtables and panels, personal leadership assessments, and 7 customized modules in Leadership Connect such as “All About EarthCare” and “Age of People Intelligence.”

2020 Stats

students from

90%

of students reported that this program helped improve their networking and communication skills

different high schools participated.

77%

of students reported that their career interest was reaffirmed by attending EarthCare

volunteers

33%

reported that they discovered a new career field they’re interested in that they didn’t know about before attending the EarthCare

"My biggest takeaway was that I understood the true meaning of leadership and the importance of leadership. I learned that wisdom doesn't have an age limit and that every day we should wake up with a purpose to be better for our community. In the crisis that we are in today it can sometimes feel hard to have a purpose but no matter what, we have to think about the development of the next generation and how we as leaders can leave our impact on the world." - Aaliyah Brown, Houston County HS, Class of 2021

www.21stcenturyleaders.org

WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders Sponsored by WarnerMedia Since 2006, 21st Century Leaders and WarnerMedia have partnered together on co-branded one-week summer leadership institutes, serving 1,380 students to date. Through the support of WarnerMedia, 75 students are accepted to participate each year in this program at no cost. Our WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders is a week-long intensive “All Things WarnerMedia” program focused on leadership and media career development. From June 21 - June 25, 2020, students from all across Georgia were exposed to a jam-packed week of online workshops and exploration of WarnerMedia’s dynamic family of brands, from HBO Max to CNN to WarnerBros. to Cartoon Network. Students gained insight into leadership, corporate social responsibility, and a variety of media careers - like multicultural marketing, sports and broadcasting, production and animation - through interactive discussions with WarnerMedia executives and employees and 9 customized modules in Leadership Connect such as “WarnerMedia 101,” “WarnerMedia’s Operating Model,” and “CNN10.”

2020 Stats

students from

94%

of students reported that their confidence as a leader increased because of the program

different high schools participated.

54%

of students reported that their career interest was reaffirmed by their experience

volunteers

56%

reported that they discovered a new career field they're now interested in that they didn't realize prior to attending

"If you are someone who is passionate about any area of media and communications, I recommend WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders. If you are someone who wants to become a better leader or are unsure of what career path you want to take in the future, I also recommend this institute. Attendees of WMI are exposed to the many sides of the media industry and the wisdom of 21CL alumni and speakers, while also making connections with others and strengthening their leadership skills." - Zahra Ahmed, DeKalb School of the Arts, Class of 2021

2020 Annual Report

30 for 30 Alumni Awards 21st Century Leaders hosted its first and only “30 for 30 Alumni Award” in celebration and culmination of the organization’s 30th anniversary during 2019. The event took place on January 16, 2020 at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta. You can read more about each alumni in the digital publication here.

"This is a distinguished group of individuals who began their journey as Georgia high school students and 21CL program participants. Today they epitomize 21CL’s 30 years of unyielding commitment to the power of diversity, corporate collaboration and the importance of inspiring the next generation of leaders,” said said Matt Johnson, board chairman for 21st Century Leaders and Principal with KPMG. “We were particularly impressed to see examples of alumni who now work for the same companies that initially invested in them during their time as students. It is incredibly rewarding to see the full-circle impact of our programs." - Matt Johnson, 21CL Board Chair

www.21stcenturyleaders.org

Arjun Sahgal

Brandi Harrison

Brandon Williams

Brent Gills

Charles Orgbon

Christiana Oshotse

Clayton Dawkins

Dr. Jyoti Sharma

Greg Clay, MPA

Jacque-Corey Cormier, Ph.D.

James Nixon, FACHE

Jennifer Sonola

Jewel Wicker

Julia Abelsky

Katherine Bryant

Khari Arnolds

Lauren Flanigan

Machmud Makhmudov

Maria Flores Blackburn, CPA

Michael Asmelash

Natalie Walker

Nathan Puckett

Quentin Marlin

Randell Tramell, Ph.D

Sara Dada

Taylor Benford

Teryn Shipman

Tia Bolden

Timothy Parham

Victoria Lamar

2020 Annual Report

Special Events

Georgia Youth Leadership Awards 21CL's signature fundraising event recognizing 21 high school leaders from around the state while raising critical funds for our year round programs. Event Co-Chairs: Dr. Corey Dortch + Danette Johnson, 21CL Board

Cancelled in person due to COVID-19

March 10- March 27, 2020 Celebration

$6,000

in student grants awarded

$3,075 in donations through donated ticket sales

students recognized