On Thursday, August 20th, members of the Leadership MAX Alumni Network came together for their third gathering of the year. The Alumni Network was formed earlier this year out of a genuine desire among the inaugural Class of 2025 alumni to stay connected following their Leadership MAX experience, presented by Amazon. Hosted by WorkSource Cobb and CobbWorks, Inc., with support from Class of 2025 Alumnus Olivia Wilson, the gathering gave alumni a chance to connect over lunch, share updates, learn from one another, and fellowship together. The meeting was sponsored by The Collaborative Training Company, led by Class of 2025 Alumnus and L-MAX Alumni Network Chair Brenda Johnson.
Johnson kicked things off with a warm welcome and a reminder of what makes the Alumni Network special: keeping Leadership MAX alumni connected. She also recognized Angelia O’Neal in her new role as vice chair of the Alumni Network, along with Autumn Andrews and Sergio Galeano in their new roles on the Steering Committee. She thanked each of them for stepping up to help lead the network.
To start the discussions, Johnson led a fun activity that gave alumni a chance to share some little-known facts about themselves—and, of course, learn a few new things about their fellow alumni along the way.
Galeano followed with a micro-talk on AI, education, and workforce trends. He highlighted the many different approaches to AI education, from microcredentials to full degree programs, and discussed Georgia AIM’s work helping technical colleges develop AI-related curriculum. He also shared insights into the growing demand for AI talent across Georgia and especially in metro Atlanta.
Next, Andrews led a lively knowledge exchange focused on employer engagement. Alumni explored the difference between simply reaching out to employers versus building the deeper, ongoing relationships that lead to meaningful engagement.
Beyond this, Class of 2025 alumni shared their excitement about welcoming the Class of 2026 to the Alumni Network in a few months and about the recruitment process now underway for the Class of 2027.
The meeting wrapped up with a concluding discussion, facilitated by O’Neal, before Johnson adjourned the meeting.
After the meeting, Wilson led alumni on a tour of the Cobb WorkSource Center – Mableton, giving everyone an inside look at the center and the impactful work happening there.
Altogether, this was a great opportunity for Leadership MAX alumni to learn, connect, and continue building on the relationships shaped during their Leadership MAX experience. The group plans to continue meeting periodically in the months ahead.
ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP MAX ALUMNI NETWORK
The Leadership MAX Alumni Network is an officially recognized body of the Metro Atlanta eXchange for Workforce Solutions (MAX) established to facilitate Leadership MAX alumni engagement with MAX and the Leadership MAX program. The L-MAX Alumni Network exists to support alumni connections, maintain a strong cross‑cohort network, and supply expertise, resources, and operational support for MAX and future Leadership MAX cohorts.
