THOMASVILLE- What if young people believed they had the power to be a force for good in their schools, neighborhoods, and communities? And what if they knew how to unlock their creativity to design solutions to their community’s greatest challenges?

Those are the driving questions behind What If We Lead?, a new initiative founded by Thomasville native Aleks Arwood. Designed to inspire and equip young leaders, What If We Lead? empowers students and young adults to harness their creativity and curiosity to address challenges in their communities—and take bold steps toward change.

Rooted in Arwood’s love for her hometown community, the initiative was born out of her journey as a young changemaker.

“Growing up in a small town, I saw firsthand how people with vision and gumption could make a difference in their community,” Arwood shared. “But I also know that stepping up to the plate can feel overwhelming—especially when you don’t know where to start. Through What If We Lead? we aim to change that.”

Announcing the first What If Leader Lab in Thomasville

To kick off the initiative, the very first What If Leader Lab will be held in Thomasville on Thursday, May 8 at 6:00 p.m. at The Biscuit Company, located in the heart of downtown.

The event will bring together seasoned changemakers, young adults, and students for a high-energy, interactive evening of creative conversation and community connection. Arwood will moderate a panel discussion with some of Thomasville’s most impactful leaders including Heather Abbott, Past President of the Thomas County Chamber of Commerce; Katie Chastain, President of Tisk Task; and Chansidy Daniels, Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board Member.

These dynamic panelists will share their experiences and insights into how young people can become powerful agents of change in their communities.

The event is free and, while it is designed to reach high school students and young adults, it’s open to anyone who wants to help shape the future of their community.

Empowering young leaders across Georgia

Through a series of dynamic programs, What If We Lead? is bringing hands-on leadership experiences to young people across the state:

• What If Leader Labs – Interactive workshops hosted in communities across Georgia, giving young adults the space to problem-solve, develop real-world leadership skills, and connect with other like-minded changemakers.

 

• School Tours – Engaging presentations at high schools and colleges, designed to spark conversation about leadership, creativity, and stepping up in local communities.

 

• What If We Lead? Podcast – A platform where young leaders and seasoned changemakers share their stories and lessons learned while making a difference in their communities.

 

• TiskTask Community Challenge – Launching in the fall, this collaboration connects students to real-world challenges through TiskTask, an online platform designed to equip the next generation of problem solvers. Through this program, students will have the opportunity to apply their creativity and leadership skills to develop solutions for real community issues.

Looking Ahead: The Georgia Young Leaders Initiative

While Arwood remains focused on strengthening current programs, she also envisions a bold next step: the Georgia Young Leaders Initiative. This future program will empower young people ages 18–35 to contribute meaningfully and creatively to economic and social improvements, with a special emphasis on rural and underrepresented areas.

Through countless conversations with community leaders, Arwood has learned that while Georgia has strong statewide programs to develop emerging leaders, there’s a gap in grassroots-level programming—especially for young visionaries who want to make an impact right where they are. The Georgia Young Leaders Initiative aims to fill that gap by providing access to mentorship, leadership training, and community-building tools that help young adults lead with confidence and creativity in their own backyards.

Arwood is actively exploring statewide partnerships to bring this initiative to life, ensuring that young leaders across Georgia have the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to create lasting change.

Why Now? There’s never been a better time. With shifts in work culture, rural brain drain, and declines in volunteerism, communities need creativity, energy, and passion for change more than ever. What If We Lead? is a rallying cry for young people to step up, get creative, and work together to pave the way for a stronger Georgia.

With a growing network of students, educators, and community leaders rallying behind the movement, What If We Lead? is already gaining momentum. Arwood encourages citizens to get involved by attending the May 8 event, bringing a Leader Lab to their community, inviting Arwood to speak at area schools, or tuning into the What If We Lead? podcast.

To learn more about the initiative and save your seat at the Leader Lab in Thomasville on May 8th, visit https://Whatifleaderlab.eventbrite.com