Columbus, Georgia – November 16-17, 2023
The Georgia CTI Fall Leadership Conference, held on November 16-17 at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center, brought together more than 500 students from over 90 schools across Georgia for an enriching and empowering two-day event.
The conference kicked off with engaging pre-conference tours, allowing students to explore educational and employment opportunities at notable institutions and businesses, including Columbus State University, Columbus Water Works, Georgia Power, Springer Opera House, Chattahoochee Adventure Company, Hotel Indigo, Valley Hospitality, The Columbus Fire Department, and the Coca-Cola Science and Space Center.
A highlight of this year's conference was the inaugural Transition Fair, where Pine Mountain Adventures led students through team-building exercises, and representatives from Columbus State University and Miller-Motte provided valuable insights into the college experience. The Rolling Video Games truck offered entertainment while students explored team trivia, created vision boards, and delved into interactive personality and career aptitude tests.
The formal dinner, hosted by the Georgia CTI State Officers, featured keynote speaker Mr. Keith Brown, aka Mr. I'M POSSIBLE. His inspiring message of positivity and perseverance resonated with students, setting the tone for an evening filled with energetic chants and dancing.
The festivities continued with a lively dance in the North Hall, featuring the Coca-Cola Polar Bear and a 'Hug Me' Coke machine. The game room offered a quieter alternative, with giant Uno cards, Connect Four, chess, and other games.
The following day commenced with work readiness sessions led by Georgia CTI board members, CTI State Officers, GVRA representatives, and education professionals. Students participated in sessions covering essential skills such as My Circle of Control, The Mask You Wear, aCTIvate dreams, Financial Do's and Don'ts, and Communication Skills. The sessions provided valuable tools and insights to prepare students for their future careers.
The Georgia CTI Fall Leadership Conference was a resounding success, thanks to the collective efforts of all involved, and the organization looks forward to building on this success in the coming years.
For further information, please contact:
Mary Davis Donahue
Georgia CTI Executive Director
(P) 678.617.0439 | (F) 706.314.9624
3 Central Plaza, #245, Rome, GA 30161
About Georgia CTI
Our Mission: To provide meaningful transition activities through leadership and employability experiences for students with disabilities in grades 9-12 identified through career, technical, and agricultural education courses in order to increase postsecondary outcomes.
About the Columbus Convention and Trade Center:
The Columbus Georgia Convention and Trade Center is located in the Historic Columbus Iron Works. Painstakingly restored to its Civil War splendor, the Iron Works is a unique setting for your next meeting or conference. Situated on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, the Trade Center is a local landmark of the downtown area and is located conveniently to first-class sleeping accommodations, restaurants and entertainment facilities.