The third weekend in January will be an exciting time for the Savannah Jaycees as they host chapters from across the state for the year end convention. In addition, member LeAndrea Mikell will be officially starting her one-year term as president of the Georgia Jaycees, a milestone for the organization. Mikell is the first African American to serve as President in the organization’s 90+ year history.

The Georgia Jaycees is a part of a bigger movement of young active citizens known as Junior Chamber International (JCI). The convention will include a welcome reception, a day of professional development as well as an awards dinner where Mikell will officially be announced as President.

Mikell has been active in the Savannah Jaycees for a little more than eight years. In addition to being heavily involved in the local chapter, including serving as president twice, she was named Georgia Jaycee of the Year for 2020. Mikell became active in the state organization as well, serving as president elect this last year.

"We focus on professional and personal development - on building teams, event planning, promotions, constructing budgets, public speaking, training and, of course, becoming deeply involved in the community," Mikell said of the role the Jaycees play. "Our goal is to empower young professionals with leadership opportunities, networking, and the chance to make friends for life."

"We won the bid to hold the conference here," said Savannah Jaycee Chapter President Hillary Bradbury. "And we can't wait to take these folks around downtown to see some of the beautiful sights that Savannah has to offer. It's going to be great to show the spirit of the community and how supportive it is of the Jaycees."

The Courtyard by Marriott Savannah Downtown Historic District Hotel will serve as the official host for the Jaycees annual convention, and members of the Savannah chapter are eager to welcome young leaders from around the state to the Hostess City.

Looking forward to her year as president, Mikell said she is hopeful that she was able to visit all of the 11 Jaycee chapters around the state and to see firsthand the good the organization is doing.

Jayceeschapters in Georgia include Athens, Atlanta, Columbus, Dahlonega, Gainesville, Gray, Milledgeville, Savannah, Statesboro, Swainsboro and Jesup.

The programming for the State Convention reflects the mission of the professional and personal development for Jaycees.

The speakers for Saturday's workshop will include:

• Brent Buswell of the Lexington-Rockbridge Jaycees;

• Dan Kamykowski, French Teacher at Jenkins High School

• Derrick Mellow, Representative for Georgia’s House District 163;

• Richard Sanders, Judge Pro Tem, Municipal Court Bloomingdale, GA;

• And Shannon Phillips, Partner and Creative Director of Abshire Public Relations.

Mikell is hopeful the workshops and Saturday night's closing dinner can be open to the public, including former Jaycees.

To purchase tickets for the convention, visithttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/georgia-jaycees-year-end-convention-tickets-235907996167