Jackson State University Truman Scholar Maisie Brown was invited to be a panelist at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Global Leadership Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event held June 12 – 16 brought together leaders from around the globe to discuss advancing transformative leadership throughout the globe.
Brown, a senior, was the only American representative to serve on the “Future of Leadership with Young Leaders” panel and shared her insights on experiences in youth leadership. Her participation in the forum is a testament to her exceptional leadership skills and dedication to positively impacting her community.
“One thing that most people took from the conversation was that the key to intergenerational advocacy and partnership working is trust on both sides of the equation,” said Brown, a political science major. “Young people have to trust the older generation who’ve been there and done that, and the older generation has to trust that the younger generation knows what’s best for them.”
The WKKF Global Leadership Forum provided a platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and influencers to engage in meaningful discussions on various topics concerning the future of leadership. Brown expressed how in her experience, there is an abundance of efforts claiming to empower youth. However, there is a lack of representation by the youth when those decisions are being constructed.
“We stressed the need for a commitment stating that when we return to our homes and programs, we make sure that young people are a part of every step of the process, not just the end when the final project is done,” explained Brown.
The panel discussions and interactions at the WKKF Global Leadership Forum inspired Brown to continue advocating for youth leadership. She said the experience inspired her to commit to using her resources and network to create similar opportunities for other young people.
While in Johannesburg, Brown visited the Apartheid Museum, toured Nelson Mandela’s House, and submerged herself in the South African culture while networking with others. She is determined to apply the lessons learned and connections made during the forum to further inspire and empower her peers.
“I gained a worldview about so many things happening in different parts of the world, and it showed me that so many of our problems are the same. I’ve gained a new global mindset, and one of my new goals and the work I plan on doing in the future is to make sure the kids I mentor have the chance to get out of the United States once in a while,” said Brown.
She believes that through collaborative efforts and innovative strategies, young individuals can create a transformative impact on society. Brown encourages those seeking to join advocacy work to attend community meetings and not be afraid to get involved in being a positive change.
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