Leadership Atlanta’s program required me to be vulnerable, get uncomfortable, and learn to be fully present with my class members for nine months. It reinforced that as a leader I must learn how to listen, have hard conversations, be more curious than defensive, and be truly authentic. It has made me 100% committed to the mission of the organization which is “to inspire members to take on and exercise real leadership committed to serving the common good.”

Leadership Atlanta has impacted my life in many ways. I learned that my genuine efforts to lend my resources to people, places and initiatives has more impact than I could see for myself. Leadership Atlanta has made me a better mentor, a better professional, and a better human being in ways that I could never imagine.

Living an inspired life has always been central to my work, personal life, leadership, and pursuits in social-justice. However, my one-year (and beyond) Leadership Atlanta experience has become the catalyst for my personal and professional transformation in ways that I could not have imagined. It helped me move from the hypotheticals of "building thriving communities" into developing work without borders. To my surprise, it has pulled me out of my leadership silo into a mutually-interdependent universe where I now have a chance to collaborate and co-conspire with people and communities that are doing meaningful work in the areas that I am either unfamiliar with or do not have expertise in. Leadership Atlanta envisions a community where its passionate and energized leaders create spaces where change begins with you and you, in return, contribute to a radical transformation in the world around you. And that’s the hallmark of a transcendent life!

The most special aspect about Leadership Atlanta is that it sorts out the complexity so that “changing the world” can happen right at one’s doorstep. The experience has done that for me personally by granting me a bird’s eye view into macro socioeconomic and political factors that affect Atlanta’s residents, workers and visitors and then affording me a chance to make a difference across these for the better.

LEAD Atlanta was one of the most important experiences I have had in my career. It not only introduced me to new friends and peers, I was able to learn so much about the issues facing metro Atlanta today. I am truly grateful for the alumni network and the opportunities I continue to receive continuing opportunities I receive

Growing up in Atlanta, I did not appreciate all the issues that our city and its citizens face. Leadership Atlanta provides a robust platform for community leaders to engage with each other in deep exploration of the real issues with a goal of creating a stronger Atlanta. For example, if it wasn't for Leadership Atlanta, I would not be directly involved in criminal justice reform. It's important to note that any good leader must be comfortable feeling uncomfortable and must get out of his or her comfort zone. Leadership Atlanta provides the opportunity for just that, and for that, I am grateful. 

Through Leadership Atlanta and as a military veterans leader on the national level, I learned how veterans can be both better supported by and better servants to the city. The program also helped me become a more empathetic, caring, and loving person in general, and certainly, in how I embraced my fellow Atlanta citizens. My classmates are now my family, and I love being with them and serving with them.

Leadership Atlanta had such a profound impact on my life; one that keeps me inspired. I was pregnant with my son for the entire class year, leading all the way up to his birth three weeks before graduation. During this period of extreme change in my life, the program provided me with countless lessons of resilience, kindness, courage, creativity, joy and making good things happen.

My Leadership Atlanta experience taught me that the right group of motivated people can indeed change the world! It also taught me that you can’t be a bystander in the world. It’s not enough to nod your head in agreement that change is needed.  When you see a need for change, you have to take action - get busy and do your part, no matter how small, to help bring about change!

My Leadership Atlanta experience not only expanded my network and put me in tune with extraordinary, community-minded leaders with whom I’m still connected today, but also catalyzed my efforts through a greater understanding of our region’s most critical issues. Leadership Atlanta had – and is still having – a profound impact on how I’ve evolved as a leader.

LEAD Atlanta opened up my world to a cross-section of people I never would have otherwise met. My classmates became confidants and collaborators, changing my own path in the process. While learning about our city is the fundamental attraction to LEAD, being exposed to peers and viewpoints from across professional sectors and backgrounds is transformational.

Wow! is how I describe my Leadership Atlanta experience.   My Wow! includes people, knowledge and experience.  I met and continue to meet extraordinary leaders who are making a difference in our city and state every day.  The knowledge gained throughout my year was life changing, and the experiences were unmatched.  I am honored to be part of such an outstanding organization.

Leadership Atlanta gave me an enriching and transformational experience I didn't expect as I entered my class year.  What I came in thinking versus what I received exceeded my expectations. It gave me courage to step FULLY into my life personally and professionally. In turn, the ongoing growth allows me to contribute to others in a totally different way than before. I cherish what the program taught me about Atlanta and the authentic friendships that continue to build. Thank you to Leadership Atlanta for the GIFT that keeps on giving. Forever grateful!

Like many others, my Leadership Atlanta experience was outstanding, providing me a chance to discuss and debate some of the key issues facing our City and our region, and to engage with other local leaders in tackling them.  In addition to being provided a unique exposure to the region, and the complexities and varied perspectives that define so many of its challenges and opportunities, the shared experience of going through the year with classmates created many lifelong friendships and opened the doors to opportunities to better serve our community.  The legacy of Leadership Atlanta is evident in many other ways, as it is common for me to encounter other Leadership Atlanta graduates in service on the boards of community and civic organizations, advocating for causes that move us forward, and at the table when conducting my business affairs. 

Leadership Atlanta has been the single most important growth experience of my adult life. The program helped me realize the power of collective, diverse perspectives, and what can be accomplished when you collaborate to help lift others and make our community better. I am grateful to be part of the Leadership Atlanta family.

LEAD Atlanta changed my life by giving me a new lens through which to view myself and my city. Expect to get to know Atlanta like you've never known her before and do so alongside a diverse group of brilliant people committed to uplifting our vibrant communities. The best part? The LEAD experience just keeps getting better as an alum. 

LEAD Atlanta was an eye-opening experience that provided me a deep dive into some of the most significant challenges facing our city, while simultaneously allowing me to build strong relationships with peers committed to bringing positive change to our community. I left the program informed, inspired and confident in the future of Atlanta.

There are few experiences in my life that compare to my time with Leadership Atlanta. Having spent much of my life living in Atlanta, I saw the challenges that faced the city on a daily basis and wondered how I could best help with overcoming those challenges. The knowledge I gained and the relationships I built through Leadership Atlanta are what have allowed me to make a positive difference not just in the City of Atlanta, but the state of Georgia and the entire country. I can say with certainty that I would not be where I am today without Leadership Atlanta, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone looking to build a better city, a better career, and a better self.

Leadership Atlanta's mission is to "inspire its members to exercise real leadership committed to serving the common good."  That commitment to serving the common good feels especially critical now.  Leadership Atlanta challenged me to think differently about what it means to lead in service of our community, and it introduced me to an incredible group of partners, teachers and friends with whom to do it. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.  

LEAD Atlanta was both enriching and impactful. However, it is the life-long relationships with classmates and fellow alums that I enjoy the most. LEAD is comprised of leaders and influencers across multiple industries throughout the City of Atlanta. Those relationships motivate me every day.

Leadership Atlanta was the most impactful program in which I’ve ever participated. Notably, Leadership Atlanta challenged me to look at our region’s issues comprehensively -- from all angles -- rather than framing them with a narrow viewpoint influenced by my experiences. Moreover, Leadership Atlanta connected me with other like-minded leaders that share the goal of improving these issues in order to create a better Atlanta.

For me, Leadership Atlanta is a unique lens for understanding the city as a multi-layered community of communities. No experience I’ve had can compare in terms of giving perspective about Atlanta’s past, present and future possibilities. Just as valuable, the Leadership Atlanta network is a source of ongoing insight as well as wonderful relationships that touch practically every driver of the city’s dynamism.  I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and will keep me connected to the breadth and depth of civic life, for which I am forever grateful. 

The Leadership Atlanta experience is unique and impactful. I learned the most from the diverse backgrounds of my classmates -- who are now my close friends. The professional commitment was significant, but what I received in return for the time invested cannot be easily quantified. In learning more about the challenges in our community and what is needed to move forward, I was inspired to give more of myself to helping others. In other words, I was inspired to lead. 

LEAD Atlanta is one of the best programs I’ve been involved with while living here in Atlanta. I’ve built authentic and meaningful relationships with people I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet under normal circumstances. Because of the well-crafted program and immersion days, I’ve been able to see the city in a new light and feel hopeful for the future of Atlanta; a city I love, cherish and am committed to improving for future generations.

Before my Leadership Atlanta year began, I thought it would provide a unique opportunity to explore our city’s challenges and opportunities and meet other civically-minded Atlantans.  And it did - - but it was so much more.  The full day seminars and tours offered deep dives into critical social and community issues, which included surprisingly frank and illuminating discussions with senior public officials and business and non-profit leaders.  Further, from opening retreat, through study group sessions and community service projects, right up to the closing session, the Leadership Atlanta experience promotes an atmosphere that encourages honest dialogue, introspection and real understanding among participants.  Every activity is designed to break down barriers and create lasting relationships with the hope that those bonds will be leveraged to better our city.  Leadership Atlanta goes well beyond civic education and networking:  I came away with new and better informed points of view and what I know will be life-long connections and friendships with my remarkable classmates.

The Leadership Atlanta experience is difficult to describe. If you want to experience the thrill of parasailing, you have to make the leap yourself. Sitting on the boat and watching someone else go for it is not enough. The same is true of Leadership Atlanta. I jumped into a life changing experience. The perspectives I gained by learning from others with very different viewpoints was invaluable. It’s helped me see all things differently and more fully. Most importantly are the incredible friendships I’ve made. They will last a lifetime. When Leadership Atlanta ended, I felt like I did after my wedding. The ending of both experiences was very emotional. However, I realized after my wedding came a new way of life. My marriage was about to begin. The same is true for Leadership Atlanta. It’s not an ending; it’s a beginning. I can’t wait to see where my Leadership Atlanta journey will take me next.  

As a Leadership Atlanta alum, I am excited to remain engaged and to continue finding ways to strenghen our community.

LEAD Atlanta opened my inspiration to explore entrepreneurship. Surrounded by uniquely, creative individuals that I have never met, I could not resist the urge to learn about their personal journeys while continuing to cultivate my own. I still connect with multiple people in our group for guidance and motivation.

“No brakes!” is the best way to describe the incredible journey that I experienced as a fortunate member of the Leadership Class of 2013! From day one, I was exposed to the riveting real-life pillars of our community, which parallels the many complex issues of our society.  In particular I found the richness and engagement of my classmates who had the strength to be so transparent and authentic as a gift that everyday fires my passion to lead and be the change agent of the future.

My participation in Leadership Atlanta was one of the most transformative events in my life. It exposed me to new issues, ideas, challenges, opportunities, and most importantly, people. My advice is to apply to join the program. Life is short. If there ever was a moment to follow your passion and do something that will matter to you and to our city, that time is now.

LEAD Atlanta has given me a community in Atlanta unlike any other. I have established life-long friends who are doing interesting and amazing things in and for our beloved Atlanta. It is through LEAD Atlanta that I learned more about our city's greatest needs and established relationships to help solve those problems.

My LEAD Atlanta experience helped reaffirm my life’s purpose. Over time, I have been able to establish lifelong connections and collaborate with some incredible leaders who are doing some amazing work within the Metro Atlanta region to continually make it the BEST place to live in the world. LEAD Atlanta helped me understand that I have been called to use my influence to help positively impact the lives of others.

Leadership Atlanta changed my life. It significantly increased my awareness and understanding, not only of the challenges and issues that black and brown people face that I never had to, but also all the other challenges across our beloved metro Atlanta community. It drove me to make greater and more impactful action. It also made me a better mom, employee, supervisor and friend. 

As Leadership Atlanta reflects upon a 50-year legacy of forward progress, I am grateful for its forward thinking to invest in the city’s next generation of leaders with the creation of LEAD Atlanta. The investment has paid continuous dividends by cultivating a rich network of young professional, community, and civic leaders who leverage their collective genius and diverse leadership experiences to bring Dr. King’s vision of the beloved community to fruition. I will always say ‘Yes’ to LEAD and am honored to pay it forward.

LEAD Atlanta helped me develop one of my most significant networks. The experiences provided us the opportunity to learn about our city while thinking the through impact of solutions, the importance of collaboration, and how to lead well. The individuals from LEAD Atlanta go on to be influencers in their places of work and in our community. Programs like this are essential to passing the baton to the next generation of leaders in our city.

My Leadership Atlanta experience has been life-changing in so many ways. I was a bit of a skeptic when they said I would build friendships for life. but I was wrong. Because of Leadership Atlanta, I have completely reengineered my view on work and life. And the friendships I have made will in fact last forever. Thank you for letting me participate and give back.