Lending our voice to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Black History Workforce Panel.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025  

LaTanya Thornton at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium as a Black History Month Panelist

On Tuesday, February 25, Lead The Way Learning Academy was honored to contribute to an important conversation during the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Black History Workforce Panel. This impactful event brought together leaders to discuss the significance of Black labor in shaping the workforce, both historically and in the present day.

We were thrilled to have LaTanya Thornton, Director of Programming at Lead The Way, join the distinguished panel alongside Dr. Nathan Harris, CEO and Founder of See Brilliance, and Vicky Pate, educator at Fort Hayes High School within Columbus City Schools.

Shaping the Future of Work

Throughout the discussion, LaTanya, Dr. Harris, and Vicky thoughtfully explored the future of work with today’s generation in mind. Their dialogue emphasized the need to be intentional about the ways we prepare and empower youth for meaningful careers.

At Lead The Way, this mission aligns seamlessly with our focus on youth workforce development — helping to shape future leaders and supporting this year’s Black History Month theme of African Americans and Labor.

Key Takeaways: How We Can Better Serve Our Communities

The panel left participants with powerful reminders about how we must show up for our communities and the next generation:

▪️ Empower PeopleEmpowerment must be at the core of everything we do. As highlighted during the conversation, lifting others up is a cornerstone of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s mission — and it’s one that we share at Lead The Way.

▪️ Be Solution-OrientedWhile guidance and ideas are valuable, it is critical that we also provide tangible options for young people — solutions that alleviate, rather than add to, the stress they already face.

▪️ PartnershipBuilding and maintaining strong partnerships is vital. Through partnerships, students gain visibility into real opportunities and are better equipped to make informed career choices.

▪️ Collaboration Over CompetitionThere are many individuals and communities in need of support. Collaboration, rather than competition, allows us to serve a broader population and effectively meet the diverse needs of our growing community.

Moving Forward Together

We are deeply grateful to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for creating space for this essential dialogue and for inviting Lead The Way to lend our voice to such a meaningful and inspiring conversation.

By continuing to empower, partner, and collaborate, we can build a future workforce where opportunity, equity, and support are truly accessible to all.