Jakayla FREEMAN
Being part of Choosing to Excel impacted me profoundly! 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. Beyond personal growth, 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 am forever grateful for the people and experiences this program has brought into my life.
I now reside in Atlanta, GA with my loving husband, where I have the privilege of working for Insight Global as a Culture Advisory Services Manager, helping companies with custom solutions to better take care of their employees to produce sustainable business results.
Jovoni JOHNSON-MCCRAY
The name Choosing to Excel encompasses exactly what joining the leadership team meant to me. 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 countless 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. It wasn’t just a program—it was a family, an experience that shaped who I am and gave me a community I’ll forever be grateful for.
The lesson from Choosing to Excel I repeat to myself most often is to “Keep the End in Mind.” It reminds me, especially 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. However I am currently living in Houston, TX while completing my Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University.
Kennedi JOHNSON
Choosing to Excel played such a significant role in my adolescent stage of life. This organization instilled healthy life skills in me that I have been able to utilize in every season I have endured. Being on the leadership team and having the opportunity to grow personally and pour into others' lives was something I will never forget.
During my time on the 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.
Through C2E I became a member of G.E.M.S., standing for Girls Eagerly Maintaining HIGH Standards. This program allowed me and other young women to gather together and learn principles that encouraged us to recognize our worth and expose us to various networking events for career development.
Presently, I am a medical speech-language pathologist working with elders and adults. I provide services to patients who have difficulties with speech, language, cognition, voice, and swallowing to improve their quality of life. This population includes diagnoses such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Stroke victims. It’s a joy to impact these individuals' lives every day and contribute to such an amazing field.