Millennial leaders are stepping up to make a significant impact on their communities. These professionals are redefining what it means to lead, bringing fresh perspectives and a steadfast commitment to their roles.

EVOLVE Magazine takes this opportunity to shine a light on some inspiring Millennial leaders who are not only excelling in their respective fields but also actively shaping the future of their communities through their dedication and leadership. Meet Roosevelt Harris, Jessica Gow and Kelli Cosentino—three remarkable leaders who exemplify the power of service, passion and commitment.

Roosevelt Harris is CEO of Daytona Heart Group, the largest provider of cardiology care in Volusia County. He embodies the ethos “service above self” – a character trait that began to emerge during his childhood as his curiosity about the world drove him to seek out opportunities to engage, and later lead, others early on.

Roosevelt credits his involvement with Rotary, a service organization, as being “instrumental in my leadership journey – providing me with mentorship and a platform to apply my skills in service to others,” explains Roosevelt. The alignment of Rotary’s values with his, namely a focus on doing the greater good, resounds.

“Rotary has equipped me with transferable skills like project management, public speaking and strategic planning,” Roosevelt notes. As he considers recruiting younger talent, he recognizes Rotary’s success therein. He attributes this to their focus on inclusivity, mentorship and recognition. “By fostering a supportive and dynamic environment that values the contributions of all members, Rotary ensures a pipeline of talented leaders who are passionate about serving their communities,” Roosevelt comments.

Ocala native Jessica Gow is a land use and environmental attorney with the Cobb Cole Law Firm. Describing her strengths, she shares, “My skill set includes being an extrovert who loves to talk about land use, zoning, affordable housing and environmental issues – all of those are hot topics in our community.”

Extroversion, coupled with her ability to thrive under pressure, propelled her toward law. Jessica is grateful for Volusia County’s civic pride, a place brimming with “individuals who want to make our community a better place.” Engaging with the local scene heralded Jessica’s role in shaping Greater Daytona’s future. “I have received fantastic mentorship from colleagues,” she says, “and love the idea that together, we can leave our community better than we found it.”

Initially a Marine Biology major, Jessica’s passion shifted. “As I realized that I loved the policy behind habitat conservation and protection…more than I loved Organic Chemistry, I switched over to a pre-law major,” she reflects.

A pivotal experience for Jessica was lobbying D.C. lawmakers as a high schooler. She enjoyed advocating for innovative educational approaches. This experience cemented her belief in the importance of flexibility when recruiting younger talent. “Employers need to look more closely at the environment they are creating,” she advises. “Giving employees the flexibility to follow passion projects and find a way to allow that contribution to impact your overall community will create a great way to recruit.”

Kelli Cosentino is executive director of the Volusia County Association of Responsible Development (VCARD). She grew up both shy and athletic – blossoming socially in her teens. “I was friends with [people from] every walk of life,” Kelli shares. Glimmers of Kelli’s leadership potential shone early as she became the grounding force among friends. “If I ever had the chance to pursue or learn something new that could benefit my school or professional career, I wouldn’t hesitate.” This fearlessness stemmed from supportive family and mentors who instilled confidence – allowing her to learn from mistakes. “Throughout my professional career, I’ve discovered that a true leader should always show kindness and not be afraid to ask questions,” notes Kelli.

Her time as an assistant department manager at Embry-Riddle provided valuable insights. Collaborating with colleagues to prepare students for life after college sharpened her active listening and patience – qualities essential for her role at VCARD. Her marketing skill set, coupled with determination to advance VCARD’s mission of responsible community growth, is energizing.

Millennial leaders like Roosevelt, Jessica and Kelli are thriving in their professional lives, achieving personal success as they pave the way for the next generation of rising stars. By fostering supportive environments, advocating for important issues and leading with kindness and determination, they are ensuring a brighter future for their communities.