Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Sanders
Hi Irene, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2014, as President of my HOA, I spearheaded efforts to block a significant zoning case that would have impacted multiple neighborhoods along the Old Alabama corridor. This leadership role led to my invitation to apply for the Executive Director position of Student Leadership Johns Creek, a role I have held for the past 10 years. When I took over, the program lacked a structured curriculum for its two-year leadership track. I revamped the entire program, incorporating enhanced leadership training and community service initiatives. Now, in their second year, students build an online portfolio with a LinkedIn component and have the opportunity to shadow professionals in careers they are interested in pursuing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
At first it was not a smooth road because there was no real structure to the program days. In my first month on the job, I completely overhauled the program days pivoting each month to add more content for the students. It was a roller coaster year, but it ended up having more exciting content and we have built upon that with each passing year. Over my ten years, we have doubled the program reach, including having a group of students who facilitate local and state level debates. At present, we are one of the most highly regarded and unique student leadership programs in the state.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I was recently honored with the Connect Award by the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce, a recognition that truly reflects who I am. When my husband was drafted by the Falcons and we moved from Reno, Nevada to Atlanta, we didn’t know anyone. Since then, I’ve built my life around serving the community—through my neighborhood HOA, my children’s schools, my role on the Johns Creek Planning Commission, teaching exercise classes at the YMCA, and now with Student Leadership Johns Creek. Throughout this journey, I’ve had the privilege of meeting countless people and using this extensive network to support and uplift others. This is what sets me apart from others and makes me extremely proud.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as helping others realize their full potential, which I do each and every day through Student Leadership Johns Creek. It is so rewarding to have students come back and want to have coffee with me and tell me how their time with our program has set them up in their careers. I have students who have long since graduated college who still regularly come back to visit with me. Many of these same students now come to our program days as speakers, which makes me realize that success is empowering others to help build a stronger community of leaders.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studentleadershipjohnscreek.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studentleadershipjc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studentleadershipJC/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUmqZX422Kl25fgOmN2pnNA
Image Credits
Scott Wittes
Irene Sanders
