Albany High students had the incredible opportunity to attend a Lunch & Learn workshop led by Deshanna C. Wiggins, who shared insights on her journey from being an Albany High student to becoming the CEO of the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce.
During the workshop, Wiggins wove together a variety of anecdotes about how her experiences as a young person in Albany drove her to forge a career in communications.
After graduating from Albany High, Wiggins attended Clark Atlanta University and spent 15 years in the Atlanta area serving in the public sector across three mayoral administrations. Additionally, she stretched her wings as an entrepreneur, launching an interior design firm and a consulting practice during her years in Atlanta.
In 2022, Wiggins returned home to Albany to found and lead the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce, and she has found great satisfaction in advancing economic development, workforce pathways and community investment for minority-owned businesses here in the Capital Region.
During the presentation, students learned about the power of staying the course, overcoming adversity and taking risks for the greater good. Wiggins spoke authentically about the highs and lows of leadership and the importance of consistency.
“It is hard sometimes. You show up every day, and sometimes you don’t get the response or the return that you want. But it does not mean that it's not having an impact or that you should stop pursuing it,” Wiggins shared.
“Whatever you feel like your interests are, whatever you are going to study in school, whatever you are going to take up and work for, make sure you feel that purpose and make sure you chase it.”
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to this inspirational alumna for pouring into our students!
Additionally, we thank Work-Based Learning Coordinator Lindsay Simmons for her vision in putting together this excellent Lunch & Learn, as well as Albany High teachers Christopher Austen, Kyle Pearce, Jonathan Wafer, Margot Wyan and Chrislene Adams who brought their classes to this dynamic learning session.