Gwinnett Young Professionals (GYP) is pleased to announce the 2021-2022 Journey Leadership Institute class, including its Crew leaders. The Journey Leadership Institute is a nine-month business leadership program which combines the expertise of Gwinnett’s top leadership and development organizations into one cohesive program where participants are led through a series of workshops that work together to grow and cultivate their current skills and knowledge.
The Journey Leadership Institute begins with a combination of training on core values, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. After developing a deep understanding of self, Journeyers will continue to grow and develop as they participate in each of the eight monthly topic-based workshops. The Journey workshop providers include InnerWill Leadership Institute, Gallup, Dale Carnegie, Fanning Institute for Leadership Development (UGA), ADJ Consultants, GiANT and The John Maxwell Company – all whom have a significant stake in Gwinnett.
Last month, the nine-month program kicked off with a social cocktail hour and orientation and the first workshop, focused on values-based leadership, both delivered by InnerWill.
This year’s cohort includes 44 young professionals who are on a steep professional trajectory, representing some of the best of Gwinnett business and industry:
- Alicia Crewey – Catalyst Coalition
- Anna Gardner – Luckie
- Brett Byerly – Peachtree Packaging
- Caroline Bollinger – Georgia Furniture Mart
- Chad Wasdin – Gwinnett Newton & Rockdale Health Departments
- Clara Rooks – Explore Gwinnett
- Cody Pitts – Peachtree Packaging
- Driver Watson – Guaranteed Rate
- Dylan Freeman – Kubota Tractor Company
- Hayley Nicolich – Andersen Tate & Carr
- Helen Balch – City of Lawrenceville
- HollyAnne Knight – String & Story
- Ian Huron – Two Rivers ITAD Recovery Solutions
- Jacob Bucher – Peachtree Packaging
- Jessi Brooks – Ad Edge Technologies
- John Urzua – Georgia Swarm
- Josh Taylor – Aaron Overhead Doors
- Kyle Gomez-Leineweber – Gwinnett County Government
- Lindsey Curnow – City of Lawrenceville
- Meagan Strong – Office Creations
- Michael Rabalais – Gwinnett County Government
- Michael Sims – ViaSat
- Nicole Newsom – Accent Creative Group
- Paul Bara – City of Suwanee
- Rebecca Benzel – Sugarloaf Wealth Management
- Ryan Pearlman – Stablegold Hospitality
- Sara Cherry – Mosaic Georgia
- Sara Miller – Gwinnett County Probate Court
- Stefanie Still – ViaSat
- Tyler Marcordes – Peachtree Packaging
- Brittany Lowe – Rainbow Village
- Charbel Aoun – Georgia First Generation Foundation
- Daniel Choi – Peachtree Packaging
- Dennis Santiago – Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
- Domonique Cooper – Gwinnett County Public Schools
- Grace River – The 1818 Club
- Inaara Babwani – Gwinnett Chamber
- Isaac De La Cruz – City of Lawrenceville
- Jessica Cameron-Johnson – Gwinnett County Public Schools
- Krystal Williams – Boston Consulting Group Nexus
- Malik Cooper – One Plan
- Morgan Taylor-Burns – Gwinnett Technical College
- Victoria Richburg – City of Sugar Hill
In between workshops, the cohort is broken into 10 smaller groups to process, practice and encourage the development of new leadership skills. These “Crews” will be led by these extraordinary leaders:
- Asif Jessani – CCS Marketing & Technology
- Aurielle Williams – Piedmont Eastside Medical
- Brittany Partridge – Andersen Tate & Carr
- John Knight – Cloud Trailz
- JT Wu – Preface Project
- Kevin Jones – Georgia Banking Corporation
- Samantha West – Cain Injury Law
- Taylor Todd – Fidelity National Home Warranty
- Claire Gordon – Bank of America
- Dee Driver – Gwinnett County Government
“Gwinnett County is so fortunate to have such influential young professionals in our community who are disruptors, innovators and change-makers,” said Gwinnett Chamber President & CEO Nick Masino. “We are excited to continue to invest in the leaders of tomorrow, today, with our Gwinnett Young Professionals program.”
An initiative of the Gwinnett Chamber, Gwinnett Young Professionals encourages young businesspeople to develop and enhance their leadership skills, exchange ideas, share common interests, learn more about the area’s business community, and engage in the community’s future. GYP is designed for individuals, ages 21 to 35, who are living and/or working in Gwinnett.
To learn more about Gwinnett Young Professionals or its events, visit gwinnettyoungprofessionals.com.
