Reynolds ▪ October 13, 2023
This year, Flint Energies’ theme, Powering Today, Empowering Tomorrow is a great example of how we are carrying out our mission to exceed the expectations of our members at every opportunity. We see the potential and embrace the possibility of revitalizing our communities for a brighter tomorrow through our Youth.
The Flint Energies Cooperative Communications Department has revamped our youth leadership programs to create EMPOWER, a new rural regional Youth Leadership program. One of the first of its kind in Georgia, the EMPOWER program brings together high school juniors and seniors from Crawford, Macon, Marion, Schley, Talbot and Taylor counties for nine months of learning about leadership, professionalism, service, and community development.
“Prior to working at Flint Energies, I was the Region 8 Representative for the Department of Community Affairs,” says Flint Energies Community Connections Specialist, Natalie Bradley. “In that position, it became clear that a regionalism approach is not only important, but vital for success particularly in rural Georgia. The new regional program mirrors the state’s work in economic and community development, while also providing resources that many of our rural county chambers and school systems lack.” For our communities to see true success for generations to come, we must help mold young leaders by instilling traits of leadership, professional development, civic responsibility and pride of living in a rural area. Investing in today, we empower our youth to become productive leaders and conscientious citizens for the future.
Throughout nine months of immersive leadership-building experiences, students will participate in team-building activities, learn job readiness and valuable soft skills to be prepared for life after high school. They’ll tour regional industries and downtowns to learn more about economic development and opportunities for their future in rural Georgia. Near the conclusion of the program, the group will take a trip to Georgia’s capitol to watch government at work and meet their state representatives. We're excited to share more about these students throughout the school year!
The following students applied, interviewed and were accepted into the program: Crawford County students are MiKayla Beard, Ka’Maya Blasingame, Riley Gallagher, Makale Harris and Lauren Perkins; Macon County students are Towanna Cochran, Antonio Corley, Isabel Martinez, Jenajah McKenzie, Natalie Milledge, Destiny Slappy, Jeremiah Soloman and Jeremiah Walker; Marion County students are Anaya Ansley, Ty Goodroe, Liz (Victoria) Hudson and Ella Jernigan; Schley County students are Harper Bishop, Kayden Poole and Madyson Tyus; Talbot County students are Gracin Arnold, Ikerria Carter, Ci’Aja Gillis, Annatasia Grier, Jordan Mahone, Steven Mullinax, Riley Thomas and T’Kandis Walker; and Taylor County students are Cayden Coleman, Kelsey Driggers, Jireh Gray, Amiyha Gross, Addison Hunter, Khamryn Ogburn, Colt Pandolfi, Kaytie Scott, Nashaila Sherman and Valeria Zepeda.
About Flint Energies
Flint Energies is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by its members in parts of 17 central Georgia counties. Flint employs 217 employees and serves nearly 94,000 electric meters. We are 100% locally controlled and democratically governed by nine Directors elected from among the membership. In 1937, Flint Energies was created to bring people together to meet common needs like reliable electric energy, and our mission remains focused on improving the quality of life in Middle Georgia. Flint Energies is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Follow Flint on X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
Contact:
Natalie Bradley, Community Connections Specialist, 478.847.5195, nbradley@flintemc.com