Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta Hosts 2nd Annual Teen Leadership Discovery Summit presented by Kaiser Permanente

By Kenya Meon | February 19, 2025
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ATLANTA – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta teamed up with HYPE, WrightNOW Solutions, and TAG-Ed to host the 2nd Annual Teen Leadership Discovery Summit presented by Kaiser Permanente of Georgia at historic Morehouse College in late January 2025. This inspiring event focused on dismantling obstacles to STEAM careers while nurturing a supportive community for the next generation of innovators, in whichever life path they find is right for them. 

With 125 attendees, including 50 youth along with their mentors and families, the summit was a vibrant celebration of diversity and a call for young minds to embrace their unique perspectives as they pursue educational and career excellence. Participants explored opportunities in our Exhibitor’s Hall, which was filled with resources to prepare them for life after high school, along with engaging workshops and panel discussions to provide real-life application of their professional development skills. 

Attendees exploring the resourceful Exhibitor’s Hall

Exhibitors provided valuable information on various pathways, including college and trade school enrollment, military enlistment, internships, and entrepreneurship. Attendees also found professional development materials and engaging STEAM content. 

Thanks to the expertise and experience of many sponsors and event partners, this year’s summit featured several highlights that left participants both inspired & informed: 

  • Fireside Chat: A thought-provoking discussion on “The Ripple Effect of Mentorship in STEAM Careers,” moderated by BBBSMA CEO Kwame Johnson. Esteemed speakers included Dr. Tandua Washington, a Board-certified Pediatrician, and Herb Jackson, Health Services Administrator for Kaiser Permanente of GA. 
  • Data-Driven Futures Workshop: Joyce Hunter, Founder of Data Science STEAM Camp, led an empowering session showcasing how data science is revolutionizing industries like healthcare, agriculture, athletics, and entertainment. 
  • Youth Equity Scholarship Workshop: Lauren Henner, Senior Coordinator of our Beyond School Walls program, shared exciting scholarship opportunities specifically for BBBSMA high school participants. 
  • Words That Spark Workshop: State Farm professionals led a creative workshop on igniting AI creativity with prompts, featuring Software Engineer Rachel Bick, Product Owner Briana Banks, Engagement Manager Christy Daniel, and Product Owner Taylor Myers. 
  • Discovery Debate Gameshow: Hosted by Hannah Lang, this interactive session inspired attendees to compete while discovering various STEAM resources, modeled after the popular Family Feud format, with teen leaders Zoe Baldwin, Laila Abdalla, and Ciza Obed. 
  • Panel Discussion: A dynamic panel moderated by Kristina Newton, Founding Executive Director of Hope for Youth, Inc (HYPE), tackled “Navigating Access, Challenges, & Pathways to STEM Careers.” Panelists included industry experts: Melissa Gwinn from Coca-Cola, Luis Guzman from System Technology Works, John McFarland from Vulcraft/Nucor, and Jeffrey Duncan from Aprio. 
“Navigating Access, Challenges, & Pathways to STEM Careers.” moderator Kristina Newton (first left) & panelists (left to right) Melissa Gwinn, John McFarland, Jeffrey Duncan, & Luis Guzman

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Corporate and Community partners whose support made this event a success: 

  • Kaiser Permanente 
  • Morehouse College 
  • Accenture 
  • Aprio 
  • The Coca-Cola Company Women in STEM 
  • Delta Community Credit Union 
  • Fiserv 
  • Southwire 
  • State Farm 
  • Wellstar Health System 
  • PPG 
  • Savvy Cyber Kids 
  • Structural Engineers Association of Georgia 
  • LinkedIn 
  • Infinite Energy Advisors 
  • ATL Bucket List 
  • Solar Knowledge Institute 
  • System Technology Works LLC 
  • Premium Prep College Counseling 
  • Veterans Empowerment Organization 
  • Swipe Credit 
  • Eyemail 
  • VanRan Communications 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this inspiring day, and we look forward to seeing our young leaders thrive in their journeys toward STEAM careers! 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta’s mentoring programs work with volunteers, parents, and families to help create relationships that defend, inspire and empower the potential that lives within every kid. 

If you or your company is ready to help us defend the potential of Atlanta’s youth, contact our Corporate Relations team to get started! 

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