Next Gen Leadership with Zayvion Sheppard: A Conversation of Hope with a Rising Star – Episode 33
In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down for a conversation with Zayvion Sheppard, a rising star in the world of community leadership. Zayvion, currently a third-year Political Science student at Georgia State University, has already made a name for himself as the university’s youngest-ever Student Body President. He’s a Newton County native who is passionate about public service, social impact, and creating opportunities for change.
Zayvion’s journey is inspiring, and his story is one of resilience, vision, and giving back to the community that raised him. During the interview, Zay shares personal anecdotes, including a heartwarming moment when an older gentleman predicted that Zay would one day be a leader, further igniting his desire to pursue leadership roles. The conversation is filled with wisdom beyond his years and a commitment to shaping a brighter future for Newton County and beyond.
Zayvion Sheppard: A Young Leader with Big Dreams
A proud graduate of Newton High School’s Class of 2022, Zayvion’s leadership journey began early. As an ALANHS scholar and Top 10 graduate, Zay’s commitment to excellence was clear. Beyond academics, he served as the Student Body President at Newton High School, setting the stage for even greater leadership roles to come. His passion for advocacy and community development shines through in every project he undertakes, from his nonprofit work to his role as a leader in the Young Democrats of Newton County (YDNC).
Zayvion’s nonprofit, For Atlanta By Atlanta (FABA), works to eradicate poverty by focusing on economic empowerment, education, and sustainability. As co-founder and president, he has led initiatives that strengthen existing community organizations in Atlanta, fostering collaboration and positive change.
But his influence doesn’t stop there. Zayvion is a tireless advocate for public education and an outspoken opponent of policies that threaten it, such as House Bill 581. During the podcast, he dives into his involvement with YDNC and how young voices are crucial in advocating for policies that will directly impact the future of our community.
Key Highlights from the Interview
1. Zayvion’s Journey into Leadership:
We kick off the conversation by asking Zay about his early inspirations for pursuing leadership roles. Who are the mentors that have shaped his journey? How did his experiences at Georgia State University prepare him for the challenges ahead? Zay shares some of the key moments that shaped his leadership philosophy.
2. The Role of Mentorship in Zayvion’s Growth:
As a young leader, Zay credits the mentorship of those who have guided him. We ask Zay to share the impact of his mentors and how they’ve helped shape his vision for the future.
3. The Young Democrats of Newton County and Public Education:
Zay talks about the YDNC’s efforts to oppose House Bill 581, which poses a significant threat to public education in Georgia. We explore how young leaders like Zay can make a difference in local politics and why the YDNC's work is so vital for protecting our schools.
4. For Atlanta By Atlanta (FABA):
Zay shares his passion for FABA and its core values of empowerment, collaboration, and sustainability. What drove him to start the nonprofit, and how is it making a tangible impact in the community? He discusses his approach to tackling poverty and the organizations FABA works with to address this critical issue.
5. Shaping the Future of Newton County:
We ask Zay about his vision for the future of Newton County. What are the key areas he hopes to impact, and how does he see himself contributing to the community’s development and policy changes?
6. Looking Ahead: Personal and Professional Goals:
Zay has already achieved so much in his young career. As we look to the future, we ask him about his goals for the next 5 to 10 years and how he plans to balance his education, leadership roles, and nonprofit work.
Why Zayvion’s Story is Important for Newton County
Zayvion Sheppard represents the future of Newton County. His leadership, commitment to education, and passion for community development serve as a powerful example of the impact young people can have in shaping the future. As the next generation of leaders steps forward, we can feel confident that the future of Newton County is in capable hands.
Zay’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, hard work, and a deep commitment to creating lasting change. Whether it’s through his role at Georgia State University or his work with FABA and YDNC, Zay is making a difference in ways that will have ripple effects for years to come.
Connect with Zayvion and His Organizations
Follow Zayvion’s journey and get involved with the work he’s doing in the community:
Young Democrats of Newton County – Facebook page
Zayvion’s Personal Facebook Page
Zayvion’s Instagram @the_zayvion
For Atlanta By Atlanta – Instagram @foratl.byatl
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