When the Goyal/Bhatia family moved to the Atlanta area in 2001, Cobb County was simply where life had brought them. Over time, though, it became much more than that.
After living in several Cobb communities, the family moved to Smyrna in 2012, drawn by the schools, the family-friendly atmosphere and the sense of community that makes this part of town feel so easy to love. For Priti Bhatia and her daughter, Saanvi, Smyrna became the place where they planted roots, built relationships and found opportunities to serve.
Recently, that shared heart for community led them into a pretty remarkable chapter.
During the same year, Priti was selected for Leadership Cobb and Saanvi was accepted into Cobb Youth Leadership. They later learned from the Cobb Chamber that this was the first time in the history of the two programs that a parent and child participated simultaneously.
What started as a lighthearted family challenge — could they both get accepted? — quickly became something far more meaningful.
For Priti, being selected was especially rewarding. Leadership Cobb was a program she had hoped to join for several years, and this was her third time applying. Being accepted, and ultimately graduating, felt like an honor and a reminder that perseverance really does matter.
As a Georgia Tech professional dedicated to strong communities and thriving built environments, Priti saw Leadership Cobb as an opportunity to better understand the people, partnerships and decisions that help shape Cobb County.
For Saanvi, Cobb Youth Leadership offered a chance to learn beyond the classroom, connect with students from across the county and see how local leaders, businesses, public servants and nonprofits work together to make a difference.
Their programs followed separate tracks, but the experience became beautifully shared. After program days, Priti and Saanvi compared notes, talked through what they were learning and saw leadership through each other’s eyes — one from an adult perspective, one from a student perspective.
In the process, they gained a deeper appreciation for each other’s dedication, responsibilities and growth. They also created the kind of memories that do not come along every day: celebrating milestones together, cheering each other on and discovering new ways to serve the community they both call home.
For Priti and Saanvi, the year reinforced something their family already believed: strong communities are built by people willing to show up, listen, learn and invest in others.
They are also quick to express sincere gratitude to everyone who makes programs like these possible — from organizers and volunteers to speakers, mentors, alumni, community partners, family members and friends, especially Sanjeev Goyal.
Today, they are enthusiastic advocates for both programs and encourage students, parents and professionals to apply with an open mind and a heart for service.
Their shared experience was more than a leadership milestone. It was a reminder that leadership can begin early, continue throughout life and become even more meaningful when it is shared with someone you love.
“Leadership can begin early, continue throughout life and become even more meaningful when it is shared with someone you love.”