[CEO vs Sharks] was an event that kind of broke me out of my shell. I had been kind of nervous and shy and not very good at public speaking, but being able to go up on stage and accomplish so much was great.

CATIE GORISZEWSKI, CLASS OF 2016

Before CEO, I was scared to talk to professionals over the phone, I was even scared to send emails. Now, I call, and send emails daily. I learned to take that initiative and not be afraid to do so.

Kamille Henson, Class of 2021

CEO provides an opportunity for me to try my hand at endeavors so ambitious, complex, and free-form that I am bound to fail sometimes. And I love that.

JACOB BEAIRD, CLASS OF 2018

I had no idea this class could change my perspective and well being to the extent it has, and yet it is one of the best decisions I could have made as a student in high school.

EMILY RUSSEL, CLASS OF 2018

I would recommend CEO to all students because there is so much valuable information about basic professional conduct in the class. If you are interested in business-related fields, entrepreneurship, or other innovative and creative efforts, CEO is a great place to build that foundation.

Emma Carter, Class of 2020

The CEO program…is showing me what I can do, and it has given me confidence in what I believe in. I can see the behind-the-scenes of the business world in Sangamon County. In CEO, we have a countless number of people willing to give so much to see us succeed.

FOLASHADE AJENIFUJA, CLASS OF 2018

The greatest skill that CEO fostered in me is to find my passion and have the drive to take initiative and lead…I can say with confidence that I would not be doing all I do without the CEO experience my senior year.

ABBY TÉLLEZ, CLASS OF 2017

The opportunities that CEO has provided me with has been astounding. I have not only gotten to know 49 other kids from my class, but many different business owners, investors, mentors, and speakers.

EMILY EADS, CLASS OF 2018

This class has opened me up to the small business world of Springfield that I never took any notice of before. With countless business owners and professionals in the city coming to CEO to give the class valuable knowledge, there is so much to take from this program

Kai Brudnak, Class of 2022