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"Junior Achievement's commitment and intentionality around diversity and inclusion is amazing. I have not seen that in any other setting.”
By Erika O'Shea
Community Involvement
Emily Brown, founder and CEO of the Food Equality Initiative, cares deeply about representation and access. As a Future Women's Leadership Forum Mentor, she is inspiring young women to learn about social entrepreneurship — and it all started with her elementary school JA...
"Our JA leaders taught us you're never too young to have dreams or set goals for yourself. They showed us if you aim high, you will get there!"
By Erika O'Shea
Community Involvement
De'Onta and De'Na Newborn, JA Champions and Alums, have a bright future ahead of them. Their JA Mentors have helped them explore their potential and envision their futures. Now, the twin siblings are looking back on their time in Junior Achievement and reflecting on the impact it has had in their...
"There is no more generous gift you can give someone than your time."
By Erika O'Shea
Community Involvement
As a Kansas City non-profit consultant and Greater KC Chamber of Commerce 2020 Centurion, Katie believes strongly in the power of mentorship and positive role models. Learn how she is investing in the next generation through her work as a JA...
“I get just as much out of it as the kids do and I always leave in a good mood.”
By Erika O'Shea
Community Involvement
Long-time Junior Achievement supporter Dianne recently finished her 56th session as a classroom program leader. Wow! Read more about her passion for giving children the tools they need for life-long success and learn what keeps her coming back to JA classrooms year after...
“Being here today helped me realize I’m passionate. If I keep myself motivated, I can do better.”
By Erika O'Shea
Community Involvement
Emily was feeling unsure about her options for the future. The support and advice she received from her FWLF mentor empowered her to continue defining and working towards her...
"Junior Achievement's commitment and intentionality around diversity and inclusion is amazing.”
By Erika OShea
Community Involvement
Emily Brown participated in Junior Achievement programs as a young girl in her hometown of Dallas, Texas. “I was in the 3rd or 4th grade when Junior Achievement came to my classroom. I also participated in a JA summer camp. I vividly remember being so excited for JA every month” The tools and skills she learned in those programs help inspire a passion for entrepreneurship and social change in...
"Our JA leaders taught us you're never too young to have dreams or set goals for yourself."
By Erika Oshea
Community Involvement
De’Na and De’Onta Newborn were first involved with Junior Achievement at Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy as elementary students. Over the course of their education, JA volunteer mentors have exposed them to career paths and have helped them define their...
CommunityAmerica Credit Union Makes Historic $1 Million Investment in Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City Kids
By Sarah Koci Scheilz
Corporate Responsibility
Kansas City, Missouri (November 18, 2019) — Students across the Kansas City metro area will thrive as a result of a transformational $1 million gift from CommunityAmerica Credit Union. The partnership is longstanding, with the organization’s first gift made to Junior Achievement in 1997. With this latest gift, CommunityAmerica’s lifetime investment in JA totals $1,285,436. CommunityAmerica’s gift...
"You’re building a legacy for students when you give back to Junior Achievement."
By Sarah Koci Scheilz
Community Involvement
Although Janice Clark is currently retired, she loves to stay busy — and one of her greatest passions is volunteering with Junior Achievement where her grandchildren go to school, at Brookside Charter. “I love this excellent organization,” Janice says. “I enjoy volunteering for Junior Achievement because the role they play in Kansas City is huge. It’s been around a long time and affected a lot of...
“Junior Achievement played a significant role in where I am in my life today. It gave me an early start."
By Sarah Koci Scheilz
Entrepreneurship
Lirel Holt, founder of CARSTAR, has been his own boss since age 21 — and it all started with his JA experience at Raytown South High School. JA inspired Lirel to create and launch CARSTAR and grow it to become the largest network of collision repair professionals in America. After incredible success growing, franchising and later selling CARSTAR, Lirel co-founded U, Incorporated, where he now has...
