Xehara Pledger, a rising senior at Westlake High School, has gained the confidence to pursue a career in film and entertainment thanks to a local nonprofit.
Pledger has been a part of Usher’s New Look program for three years. The organization was founded by veteran R&B singer Usher in 1999. It aims to empower and transform the lives of under-resourced youth by preparing them to be the next generation of leaders.
On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Pledger, a 2023 Atlanta Disruptivator of the Year Awardee, told show host Rose Scott that she credits the organization and its leaders with providing her with tools and resources to identify her spark, while building skills in service, leadership and public speaking.
Read this story now for free
To continue reading, sign up for our newsletter and get unlimited access to WABE.org
You can select your preferences for news and local content. We will never share your email address. Learn how your newsletter sign-up will support WABE and Public Media
