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Jordan Rowland works as fundraising director and events coordinator at The Sassafras Group in Gainesville, Georgia, where she organizes fundraising events for political campaigns.

"I like to work behind the scenes to make sure things are going to happen," Rowland said.

She also serves as president of the University of North Georgia (ÌìÃÀÉçÇø) Young Alumni Board. It's a natural role for Rowland, who initially wanted to attend a larger school but fell in love with ÌìÃÀÉçÇø's Dahlonega Campus and made great memories at the school. Rowland sees the need for added creativity to hold alumni events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I'm excited about the opportunities we have to grow our outreach," Rowland said. "We're all learning new ways to engage with people without having to be in-person."

Rowland's leadership abilities grew through a variety of activities as a student at ÌìÃÀÉçÇø. In 2011, the Gainesville, Georgia, native earned a bachelor's degree in art marketing and minored in leadership.

The leadership minor, which allowed her to teach introduction to leadership classes to her fellow students, helped bring Rowland out of her shell.

"It helped me feel confident in my skills as a leader," said Rowland, who was part of the Phi Mu fraternity while serving on the Student Activities Board.

Though Rowland became more outgoing at ÌìÃÀÉçÇø, she still appreciates that leadership is not determined by volume.

"Just because you may not be the most outgoing person in the room does not mean there is not a place for you to step up and lead," Rowland said. "Know your strengths and look for places to serve where your abilities can add value."