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What is Take Lead?
Take Lead is a month long transformative summer program designed to empower Black students by providing them with a platform to address critical issues in their communities. Through a comprehensive curriculum and engaging initiatives focused on environmental justice, mental health awareness, health disparities, and education equity, Take Lead equips students with the knowledge, skills, and resources to tackle pressing challenges. Each week of the program is dedicated to specific goals:
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During the first week, students engage in activities and discussions that deepen their understanding of the initiatives. They explore the root causes and impacts of environmental justice, mental health disparities, health disparities in the Black community, and education equity. Students identify the specific issues they are passionate about and form cohorts based on their interests.
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In the second week, students delve into comprehensive research and analysis to understand the underlying causes of the issues they have chosen. They gather data, examine case studies, and explore relevant resources. Guided by mentors from colleges and universities across the nation, students develop a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of their chosen initiative, laying the groundwork for informed decision-making.
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During the third week, students focus on developing innovative solutions and strategies to address the identified challenges. They brainstorm ideas, engage in collaborative discussions, and develop solutions through community service activities and efforts. Through feedback and mentor guidance, students learn to think creatively and develop viable approaches to make a tangible impact. Students also have the opportunity to speak and learn from industry professionals in their respective initiative fields via a panel discussion, and have the ability to ask questions to further their research.
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In the final week, students showcase their research findings and solutions. They deliver compelling presentations to their peers, mentors, and guest speakers, effectively communicating their ideas and advocating for change. Through this culminating event, students gain valuable experience in public speaking, persuasive communication, and presentation skills.
Meet Aliya
Aliya Byrd is a graduate of Spelman College (B.S. in Computer Science) and is the founder and Co-Director of the transformative Take Lead program. Aliya has an unwavering commitment to driving positive community change, thus she embarked on a journey that birthed this empowering summer program - Take Lead.
Her academic drive and passion for innovation shape her journey towards becoming a Software Engineer. Aliya’s campus involvement spans membership in CodeHouse, presidency at Girls Who Code-Spelman College Loop, and involvement with AUC NSBE. She also served on both the Junior and Senior Class Council’s. Aliya is an alumni of the Google Tech Exchange and she was a 2024 Software Development Engineer Intern at Adobe.
Aliya's dedication to fostering young leaders and her own impactful experiences inspired the creation of Take Lead in partnership with esteemed mentor Darlene Winkler. With a dynamic blend of technical proficiency and innovative creativity gained through her computer science studies, Aliya took charge of crafting the program's layout, designing engaging presentations, and meticulously planning each week's curriculum.
Her shared vision and collaborative spirit have fueled the program's mission to instill critical thinking, leadership skills, and a profound sense of social responsibility within every participant. Join Aliya and her inspiring mission to create positive change, shape a brighter future, and build a community where impactful leadership thrives.
Meet Darlene
Darlene Winkler. CEO of Boundless Enterprises, LLC, designs educational and leadership programs and provides coaching/mentoring. Darlene has been empowering youth and their families to confidently navigate school, college, and career for over fifteen years. She has designed award winning programs focusing on mentorship and college preparation/planning.
In addition, Darlene works with college students and college graduates preparing them for internships, entry level positions and continuing education. Most recently, Darlene participated in the Braven Leadership program at Rutgers University. In her role as a Leadership Coach, she led a cohort of students for a semester. She also provides career services support to local area college students.
Darlene also enjoyed a full career on Wall Street. She was an Asset Servicing Executive for a Fortune 500 Global Financial Services Company. She was responsible for cultivating trusted relationships within large complex and innovative clients. Served as advocate to deliver superior client satisfaction and strategically align clients with bank products and solutions. Extensive knowledge of Asset Servicing product suite
In addition, she currently serves on the Executive Board of Isaiah House (provides nourishment, shelter and community support to the Essex County community) and leads the Talent Committee. She is a registered parliamentarian and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Darlene is currently the program chairman for all youth programs serving the Morris and Essex students.
We aim to:
Develop Leadership Skills
Take Lead provides students with opportunities to develop and enhance their leadership skills. Through engaging initiatives, collaborative projects, and real-world experiences, students learn how to effectively communicate, make informed decisions, and inspire others. They gain confidence in their abilities to lead and make a positive impact within their communities.
Build your confidence
Take Lead encourages students to think critically and analytically about the challenges and issues they encounter. They engage in research, analysis, and solution development, learning how to assess complex problems, identify root causes, and develop innovative solutions. By honing their problem-solving skills, students become equipped to tackle real-world issues and address them with creativity and resourcefulness.
Expand your potential
Through the program, students develop a deep understanding of their role in creating a more just and equitable society. They explore initiatives such as environmental justice, mental health awareness, health disparities, and education equity, gaining a broader perspective on social issues. Students learn the importance of empathy, advocacy, and active engagement in their communities. They emerge with a heightened sense of social responsibility, ready to contribute to positive change and make a meaningful difference in the world.