- September 17, 2026
- 4:48 pm
- No Comments
- 2 minutes
Name: Ronak VyasH.S. Grad Year: Class of 2025High School: Alpharetta HSCollege: Stanford UniversityCurrent Role: Economics & Data Science Student
How has your career unfolded and how did participating in 21CL help prepare you for your next steps going to college, taking on a new leadership role in community/college and after?
I am currently a sophomore at Stanford University studying Economics and Data Science. This summer, I interned at a real assets private equity firm, and I plan to continue exploring this field with the long-term goal of leading infrastructure development and investment both domestically and internationally to improve communities and quality of life. 21st Century Leaders helped prepare me for college and beyond by strengthening skills such as networking, communication, leadership, and community engagement. At Stanford, I continue to build relationships with experienced professionals to learn from their journeys, seek advice, and expand my network. 21CL also helped deepen my passion for service. Even while attending college in California, I lead a youth committee that advises my hometown on parks and recreation policy and programming. Leadership continues to be an important part of who I am. I seek opportunities to represent organizations and causes I care about while making sure others have a voice-putting into practice the servant leadership values 21CL helped instill in me.
What’s your memorable or ‘aha’ moment during your time at 21CL? (Particular program, meeting a professional and diverse peer, speaking in public for the first time, etc.)
During my time at SYLI, all of the corporate visits we embarked on were eye-opening to me! Not only did I learn about the wide variety of professions that enable one to live a wholesome and fulfilling life, but I was also able to meet incredibly driven professionals who I continue to stay in contact with to this day — a journey I started of building a strong network that continues to support me at pivotal moments in my life.
Did 21CL assist you in developing a leadership style that makes you an effective leader? If so, how?
Yes. Through opportunities to speak publicly and engage with peers and professionals in 21CL programs, including SYLI and Youth Ambassadors, I developed a servant leadership style that continues to guide me today. These experiences taught me the importance of listening to others, leading with purpose, communicating effectively, and creating opportunities for everyone to contribute. The leadership foundation 21CL provided continues to shape how I lead and serve others in college, my community, and beyond.
Why do you believe programs like 21CL are important? And what advice would you give to a current or future student?
21CL is incredibly valuable for the eye-opening experiences it provides for its students. The organization provides students with a first glimpse into the professional world, enables them to tap into their potential for public speaking, ingrains the foundational value of community service, and inspires them for greater career achievement. For many who participate in 21CL programs, this empowerment is transformational. Any student who has the opportunity to participate in 21CL should maximize their experience — attend as many programs as you can, engage in Leadership Connect—the online leadership development program, and apply for the summer leadership institutes. The best way to get the most value from the organization is to completely immerse yourself in all they’re offering.
