GTA's Emerging Leaders step up and stand out

At GTA, leadership isn't just a title — it's a mindset. That's the spirit behind our inaugural Emerging Leaders Program, a six-month journey designed to equip high-potential employees with the tools, experience and confidence to lead from wherever they are.

This isn't your typical training program. It's a hands-on, practice-first approach to leadership development. The best way to grow as a leader is to start being one.

Over 27 weeks, participants, guided by FranklinCovey's The 5 Choices framework, dove deep into leadership essentials like active listening, smart decision-making and productivity. Each leader-in-the-making was paired with a senior-level mentor, creating powerful cross-functional relationships and one-on-one support. Small cohort meetings allowed participants to be reflective, share insights, stay accountable and celebrate wins.

But the true test? The capstone challenge.

Split into teams, our emerging leaders tackled real organizational issues. They interviewed stakeholders, designed and tested solutions, and presented their findings directly to GTA's senior leadership. The result: actionable ideas and proof that these leaders are ready to make a real impact.

Kyle Jones, GTA training and development manager, and Justice Williams, training coordinator, co-facilitated leadership workshops, team-building exercises, peer coaching sessions, and goal-setting activities throughout the cohort.  “We designed this program to be transformative, not just informative,” Jones said. “It’s not about memorizing frameworks. It’s about showing up with intention, courage and the willingness to grow. These participants did just that. They led boldly, collaborated intensely and pushed themselves — and each other — forward.”

The GTA leadership team holds immense pride in the program’s first cohort — and that pride starts at the top.

"Congratulations to each of our graduates on this well-earned achievement. It's been an incredible journey watching them grow in the Emerging Leaders Program," said Shawnzia Thomas, GTA executive director and state CIO. "Their dedication, curiosity and commitment to becoming stronger, more intentional leaders is nothing short of inspiring, and I couldn't be prouder to celebrate this milestone with them."

Please join us in celebrating the graduates of GTA's first Emerging Leaders Program:
Anup Dev                              Michael Cotton    
Brianna Crockett                  Sarah Torres
Candi Cannova                     Sekai Todd    
Christine Senu                      Sherry Wilson
Courtney Brown                   Terrence Roland
Dustin Rhone                       Thalia Elliott
Julia Owens                          Trinity Mosley
Katrice Soto                          Zakiyyah Jones
LaKeisha McDowell

“This first cohort has set a high bar—not just for what's possible but also for what's next. I can't wait to see how they continue to grow, lead and help shape GTA's future,” Thomas said.