How Georgia Tech Alumni Mentorship Helps Build Future Leaders
By: Sharita Hanley | Categories: Featured Stories
Tens of thousands of Yellow Jackets have participated in the Student Alumni Association (SAA) since its founding in 2010. Each year, SAA members engage with more than 600 alumni, building professional networks, leadership skills, and lifelong connections that shape their futures.
Those opportunities do not happen by chance. They happen because alumni like you invest your time and expertise to provide meaningful support for Georgia Tech students.
Your Impact in Action
Today, former SAA members are leading teams, driving innovation, and making an impact at some of the world’s most respected organizations. Their success reflects the power of the Georgia Tech network—more than 227,000 alumni strong—and directly shows the role alumni play in helping students become the next generation of Tech leaders.
Read about SAA’s impact on three alumni leaders. Their accomplishments are a testament to what happens when alumni mentor and guide students.
Usman Jamal, CS 23
Software Engineer, NCR Voyix
Founder, Reflex
Jamal builds technology that supports more than 20 million devices for retail businesses across more than 30 countries through his work at NCR Voyix. As founder of Reflex, Jamal aims to cut delivery time for lifesaving medical supplies, like AEDs and Narcan, by 60%–70% through drone technology.
“The Student Alumni Association gave me opportunities to develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom. As a Computer Science student, I learned how to solve technical problems, but SAA taught me how to build relationships, communicate effectively, and lead teams.”
Carson Earnest, IE 21
Analytics Specialist, Delta Air Lines
More than 200 airport locations connected to Delta’s network are supported by the planning and operational analytics work Earnest does through Delta’s block-planning function, which helps optimize gate-to-gate travel times.
“The Student Alumni Association introduced me to the many opportunities available through the Georgia Tech Alumni Association. It was the beginning of my involvement that continues today, from serving on the Gold & White Honors Committee to now being part of the Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Advisory Council.”
Rani Tilva, BA 18
Talent Director, The Coca-Cola Company
Driving talent strategy for more than 4,000 employees, Tilva helps shape workforce planning and development for The Coca-Cola Company’s North America Operating Unit.
“Being a student leader in the Student Alumni Association helped me discover my leadership style. I learned how to strategize, plan, execute, budget, and lead a team. I also learned the importance of building connections and have carried that forward—from serving on the GOLD Advisory Council to the Alumni Association Board of Trustees and leading the Coca-Cola Georgia Tech Alumni Corporate Network.”
Get Involved: Volunteer Opportunities to Help Students
The next great Yellow Jacket leader is already on campus. Volunteer to help shape their potential.
Expert Jackets: Share your industry expertise and inspire the next generation.
Dinner Jackets: Host a meal and make a lasting connection with students through candid conversations.
First-Year Program: Share networking tips and professional advice with students beginning their Tech journey.
Jackets Roundtable: Offer career insights and industry advice through meaningful conversations with students.
Social Jackets: Connect with students who share your interests, industries, and ideas.
Jackets-to-Jackets Networking Night: Help students build confidence and expand their network with casual conversations.
Mentor Jackets: Guide a student’s growth through mentorship and meaningful connection.
