Jakayla Freeman
I continue to apply the skills and fundamentals I learned during my time in the program to how I lead teams today, invest in others through my work, and maintain focus on keeping the end in mind in all that I do. I'm grateful for the self-love and confidence that C2E instilled in me, which has helped me flourish into the young woman and leader I am today. The relationships I formed have been invaluable. These people have become bridesmaids in my wedding, best friends, and family to me. The starfish story, one of my favorite lessons of being in Choosing to Excel, remains an integral part of my purpose—reminding me that even if I can impact just one person, that impact is more than enough. I now reside in Atlanta, GA with my loving husband, working for Insight Global as a Culture Advisory Services Manager.
JoVoni Johnson-McCray
I’m grateful to be a part of an organization that not only supported my values through formative years, but also taught me the importance of leading with service. It showed me that life is not only about personal ambition, but also about the impact you can have on those around you. Whether it was the conversations about our dreams or the unwavering support we found in one another, the bond our team formed through C2E is something I’ll carry with me for life. The lesson from Choosing to Excel I repeat to myself most often is to “Keep the End in Mind.” It reminds me, in the most crucial moments that every decision, big or small, matters and is a reflection of the man I’m choosing to become. As for myself now, I have accepted a finance role with American Express in New York City.
Kiaunna Johnson
This organization instilled healthy life skills in me that I have been able to utilize in every season I have endured. During my time on the Leadership team, I was taught attributes such as respect, kindness, accountability, and integrity. I always enjoyed being able to have a second family that was supportive during accomplishments and compassionate during life's trials. The bond that this group formed became such a special part of my life, and it still holds true today. The G.E.M.S. (Girls Eagerly Maintaining HIGH Standards) program allowed me and other young women to learn principles that encouraged us to recognize our worth and expose us to various networking events. Presently, I am a medical speech-language pathologist working with elders and adults.
Taylor Maze
Through my involvement with Choosing to Excel, I was able to strengthen my character and hone my artistic abilities. One thing I carry with me is the importance of going above and beyond in the work that I provide people. I’ve seen it in the way Mrs. Moton loves on every child she encounters and the work she does behind closed doors. I’ve done it in the way I taught dance, led the Leadership Team, and raise my own kids. I maintain my commitment to my family, my job, and more, because of the commitment Excel maintained with me. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Arts in Journalism at The University of North Texas. I am a mom to two beautiful baby girls and a wife to my husband, Julian.
Kennedi Carruth
Not only has the program shown me how to work in a team setting, but also how to effectively lead those around me and what compassion looks like on a day to day basis. I am most grateful for the values of C2E that have helped further grow my own. “Keeping the end in mind” has been an ongoing motivator to always think ahead and seek opportunities that are the best for myself. C2E has also given me a group of like-minded individuals that will forever be bonded by our work & experience through Choosing to Excel. The starfish story is a story I carry with me each day. Many times we go through life forgetting how important our efforts are, but the starfish story has always reminded me it is not taken for granted. Today I am the Administrative Team Lead for Pediatrics Plus. Each day I wake up fighting for our own starfish and giving them the tools to conquer their world.
Hadiyah Cummings
Who could have imagined that beginning my journey with Excel programs as a summer camper, participating in GEMS and EYE Club, and ultimately joining the Leadership Team would prepare me for this phase of my life? I graduated from Howard University and Yale, and I am currently practicing law. For this and many more reasons, I am beyond grateful for my Choosing to Excel family! We were ALWAYS challenged to “Keep the End In Mind’’
Tayler Schultz
Choosing 2 Excel wasn’t just something I volunteered for — it changed my life. As a teen struggling with my mental health, I found more than support. I found purpose and people who believed in me. C2E taught me that leadership is about showing up with empathy, holding space, and making a difference even if it’s just for one person. That belief still guides me today. Now, as a graduate student in clinical counseling and a mental health therapist, I create spaces where healing feels possible. And every day, I carry forward what C2E gave me the power to change lives, one person at a time.
Dana McGee-Fells
Through their mentorship and guidance, I gained self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and a clear vision for a brighter future full of love and high standards. Through the leadership team, I built stronger connections within my community and found the importance of a smile and a village standing strong in faith and hope. I will never forget “Keep the End in Mind” and the lesson that making a difference for one person can create a multitude of waves geared to creating positive change that lasts for generations. I am currently an associate attorney with the Big Rock Legacy Law Group focusing on the key values instilled from C2E. Community Service and mentorship continues to be my number one passion. I am forever grateful for the life lessons I learned from C2E and look forward to day I can enroll my daughter into Summer camp!