UGA Institute for Leadership Advancement

Congratulations to Samantha, our PR specialist. We are going to miss you!

Rachel shared an overview of brand management and gave students a realistic view of that sector of marketing. She gave students a behind-the-scenes look at product development and what it takes to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-moving, consumer-focused environment.
 
Her ability to translate real-world experience into actionable insight gave our students a clearer understanding of how to apply their skills and encouraged them to do their own research during the job search to learn about great opportunities.  Thank you, Rachel, for investing in the next generation of leaders!

Aaron Konnick (2005 Scholar), Director of Tax Accounting and Reporting at UPS, returned to campus with Samantha White (2023 Leadership Dawg), Treasury Payment Strategy Director at UPS, to watch our 2026 Spring Fellows present their hypothetical UPS Case Study. This is an incredible learning opportunity for ILA students, allowing them to collaborate to develop and present strategic growth ideas directly to company leaders!

Thank you to Aaron and the UPS team for taking the time to host this case study, offering valuable project feedback, and investing in our students’ growth and leadership development.

We enjoyed having Garrett Williams as an ILA Alum of the day!

Garrett connected with students to share how he’s leveraged his experiences, from consulting at Bain & Company to corporate strategy and innovation at AGBO, and now pursuing a Master’s in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University as a Schwarzman Scholar. He offered thoughtful insights on navigating global opportunities, exploring creative career paths, and leading with curiosity.

We’re grateful to Garrett for investing in our students and sharing perspectives that help them think bigger about their own leadership journeys.

We are proud to see our students making a measurable impact in communities across Georgia. Lindsey Hildrum, Molly Rencher, Jack Turner, Maddon Sime, Emily Taylor, and Giovanna Palma partnered with the City of Hartwell to develop a data-informed marketing strategy supporting the community’s new brand identity—strengthening tourism, community identity, and long-term economic development.

A great example of experiential learning in action.

Read more about their work using the link in our stories and bio.

We are so proud of our ILA students who received awards on Terry Honors Day. Lead On!

This week our 2027 Leonard Leadership Scholars had the opportunity to hear from Brent Uken, CEO of Speakeasy.

Brent shared what it truly means to elevate communication effectiveness, emphasizing the power of connecting authentically with your audience and peers. He highlighted that establishing trust through genuine connection is essential for motivating teams, implementing strategies, and achieving meaningful results. 

Thank you, Brent, for sharing your insight and experience. Our students always learn so much from you. Pictured are several students who stayed afterward to discuss their specific SLP projects and continue the conversation.

Last week, some of our ILA students attended the Georgia Women Give event featuring Anne Barge Clegg, a world-renowned bridal fashion designer and UGA alum.

ILA Fellow Alum, Grace Burnett, served as moderator, leading a thoughtful conversation about Anne’s Georgia roots, UGA experience, and her journey building a globally recognized brand.

This was a great opportunity for ILA students to hear about leadership in another industry and see how leadership skills translate across fields.

We were thrilled to welcome Talia Lattner as an ILA Alum of the Day!

Talia graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Accounting and as a Leonard Leadership Scholar. She met with several students and shared insights from her career at Chick-fil-A, from starting as a Restaurant Accountant for the Southeast region to her current role as a Lead Accountant.

We’re grateful for Talia sharing her experiences, visiting with us, and inspiring these students!

Last Friday, we welcomed TJ Callaway, founder and CEO of Onward Reserve, as our ILA Alum of the Day. TJ shared his entrepreneurial journey, which began at a young age and continued to grow during his time at the University of Georgia.

TJ offered students valuable insight into building a brand and learning through hands-on experiences. He also encouraged students to invest in relationships and seek out opportunities that challenge them to grow.

We’re grateful for alumni like TJ who continue to give back and invest in the next generation of leaders.