From Exposure to Excellence: Cimone Jefferson’s 3DE Journey
For Cimone Jefferson, 2020 3DE alumna, success has always been about seizing opportunities and learning from every experience. As a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a degree in Information Systems, Cimone is now halfway through her master’s in Luxury Brand Management at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). But her journey of exploration and achievement started before college—back in high school, where she was part of the inaugural 3DE cohort at Norcross High School.
A LAUNCHPAD FOR OPPORTUNITY
Cimone credits 3DE with opening doors she hadn’t considered before. “Junior Achievement and 3DE gave me so much exposure to companies,” she reflected. During college, internships with the Atlanta Hawks and JP Morgan Chase gave her hands-on experience in diverse fields—opportunities she first became aware of during her time in 3DE. “I had exposure to both organizations in high school, and that helped me establish my network early.” Those high school introductions to industries and professionals were a game changer for Cimone, helping her build a career trajectory before stepping into the workforce.
LIFELONG SKILLS AND LESSONS
The skills Cimone gained in 3DE continue to serve her today. “Out of all of my years of schooling, 3DE has been the most impactful and memorable educational experience. There are so many moments in my adult life where I realize the first time I learned something was in a 3DE classroom," Cimone shared. "The exposure to business language and strategy still plays a role in how I operate today.”
WHY 3DE?
Looking back, Cimone vividly recalls the sense of community that shaped her high school experience. In 3DE, “you are in a cohort where you’re trying new things, getting exposed to so many ideas, and dreaming big all together,” she recalled. The supportive environment, driven by excellence and innovation, left a lasting impression on her: “It was always fun, we were always heard, and the structure was a lot like the real world.”
As an alumna, Cimone believes 3DE offers something truly unique. “If I had to pick one word to describe 3DE, it would be 'exposure,'" she said. "3DE gave me access to industries and professionals that helped me figure out how to position myself for success.”
For students considering joining 3DE, Cimone encourages them to take the leap, emphasizing that “3DE supports students no matter their plans after high school—whether they want to be entrepreneurs or choose not to attend college. It prepares you for life, regardless of the path you take.”