HEAR WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

Councilmember H. Lamar Willis
Atlanta City Council, Post 3 At - Large
The exciting part about L.E.A.D. Atlanta for me is that I viewed the members of the class as my peers. I saw them all as individuals who will be leaders in this city for the next 20 to 30 years. More importantly, L.E.A.D. Atlanta has (will) helped identify who the young leaders of this community are and has helped to form a network.

Ann W. Cramer
Director, IBM Corporate Community Relations
A great city is only as great as its people - and the LEAD Atlanta program has proven once again that the emerging leaders in Atlanta will guarantee that Atlanta will stay strong and great for decades to come!! These inaugural participants exemplify the extraordinary spirit and ability of Atlanta's tradition of great leaders!!

Tad Hutcheson
Director of Marketing, AirTran Airways
AirTran Airways believes strongly in nurturing tomorrow’s leaders, and by partnering with L.E.A.D. Atlanta, we are doing so. We are exceptionally impressed with the caliber of the young leaders in the first L.E.A.D. Atlanta class, and we know that these young men and women will take what they have learned over the past year and grow with the Atlanta community. It is refreshing to support a program such as L.E.A.D. Atlanta, which will pay rich dividends for years to come.

Pat Upshaw-Monteith
Executive Director, Leadership Atlanta
Within its first year of inception, the Atlanta community has already reaped the benefits of LEAD Atlanta. Filling in a void, the program has harnessed an inspirational class of young professionals. Undoubtedly, LEAD Atlanta will serve as a catalyst for young movers and shakers for future years to come. LEAD Atlanta shows promise for bridging the gap and preparing our motivated young leaders a lot earlier and in turn, it continues to foster a forum for educational thoughts and fuel the works of good deeds that trickles throughout the community.

Erica Gordon-Roberts
Manager of Customer Relations, Kroger
L.E.A.D. Class of 2005
L.E.A.D. Atlanta is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. My classmates, the speaker, the sessions. . .all life altering. I have been able to take something from each experience.

Kimberly J. Englehardt
Communications Manager, Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits
L.E.A.D. Class of 2005
I've truly enjoyed the opportunity to meet and learn from peer professionals who are not in the same industry as myself. The program has broadened my outlook on business, provided me very valuable professional development, and enhanced my knowledge of the Atlanta community. It's a 'must have' in a young professional's career and personal development toolkit - it's the best investment you can make for yourself, your company, and the local community!

Tiffany Callaway-Ferrell
Manager, LNG Operations, AGL Resources
L.E.A.D. Class of 2005
To be a part of this inaugural class has been one of the defining moments of my life. The opportunities to meet leaders Atlanta’s top private and non-profit organizations have been invaluable. The mentor aspect of this program has assisted me with several organizational changes at work and personal goals involving community service. The interactions with my classmates will prove to be lasting professional and personal relationships that come from working together on life changing projects.

Joyce Yamaato
Major Gifts Associate, YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.
L.E.A.D. Class of 2005
L.E.A.D. Atlanta is a top-notch program filled with the best and the brightest young Atlanta professionals who will someday be the next Mayor, the next Congresswoman, the next corporate and non-profit CEO, the next Doctor who will pioneer an impactful cure, the next Attorney General, the next Diversity Officer and so much more. It is an extraordinary program that thoughtfully brings together individuals, each of whom represents a piece of the puzzle that we call Atlanta.

Alissa Silverman
Executive Director, Create Your Dreams
L.E.A.D. Class of 2005
L.E.A.D. Atlanta is a great initiator of getting young leaders more involved in their own communities. During our sessions, we are actively engaged in thinking about how we make in impact beyond our jobs and in improving/educating ourselves so we can make a smarter and deeper impact.

Danny Shoy
Program Associate, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
L.E.A.D. Class of 2005
The L.E.A.D. Atlanta program has been a great experience. The program has reminded me that we live in a real world with real challenges that plague society but in this way we are reminded of the joy of being human. It’s at moments like these that the idealist in all of us becomes re-inspired.

David E. Howard
Attorney, Arnall Golden Gregory LLP
L.E.A.D. Class of 2005
Leadership Atlanta's L.E.A.D. program has been an immensely rewarding experience that has both challenged many preconceived beliefs I had and motivated me to become further involved in shaping Atlanta's future. The highlight of the experience has been getting the opportunity to work side-by-side with my fellow participants in the program. Being surrounded by so many young, successful and driven Atlantans, who all share a common goal, helping their community, has been energizing. The skills I've taken from the program, such as a better understanding of the diversity of Atlanta, a sense of the enormity of educational challenges facing our city as well as valuable leadership and presentation skills are already paying dividends in the civic organizations with which I am involved.

Shyam Reddy
Associate, Kilpatrick Stockton LLP
L.E.A.D. Class of 2005
The L.E.A.D. Atlanta program has exceeded my expectations. I've been introduced to a world of leadership-based training programs and people who exemplify so many of the qualities that we look for in leaders.