January is National JA Alumni Month

Author: Makenzie Morris
Work Readiness
Published: Thursday, 09 Jan 2025

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Image caption: Anna Possehl

Anna Possehl, Events Manager
Quad Cities Chamber

"JA was truly an amazing experience that I think every kid should get to enjoy. As a young professional, I look back at that time I had at JA constantly and think about my time there. I still remember “interviewing” for a job at JA BizTown and working in the factory! I remember that day vividly, in fact, every time I have had to interview for something, I always think back to that day. Although I was young at the time, giving me that experience of an interview along with learning personal finance are two key things that I am grateful to have been taught at that age. I also think JA taught me how to work as a team in a work setting. Communicating with your classmates and making sure you all worked together to make the “town” successful was also a huge learning opportunity. All in all, JA teaches kids both hard and soft skills that they will use for the rest of their lives. I was beyond impressed with the new BizTown and the opportunities kids have there now. Seeing the kids there with the same grins that my classmates and I had while we were there shows that JA still to this day continues to do great things."

Image caption: Katie Sothmann

Hear From JA Staff That Are Alumni

Katie Sothmann, Senior Director - Marketing & Special Events
Junior Achievement of the Heartland

"I loved my JA experience! At Exchange City (now JA BizTown), I learned teamwork within and between businesses and saw my classmates, and myself, in a new light. As radio station manager, I discovered my leadership potential. Now, working for JA, I love seeing kids have the same impactful experience."

Image caption: Haley Miller

Haley Miller, Education Manager
Junior Achievement of the Heartland

"I was able to attend Exchange City as a fifth grader and it is one of my most memorable school experiences from that time. My classmates and I were able to collaborate to learn how a community truly functions and all the working parts involved. It was a fun and fast-paced experience working at the bank helping my classmates cash their paychecks and learning the processes of a financial institution. My mom volunteered for the day and was able to work at the bank with me, which was a lot of fun. I was able to have a wonderful real-world experience through JA that taught me important financial literacy skills and career readiness skills that I still use today."

Image caption: Makenzie Morris

Makenzie Morris, Marketing Manager
Junior Achievement of the Heartland

"It's such a blessing to work for an organization that had such a meaningful impact on me as a student!

I remember having my best friend's dad come into the classroom to teach us about money and how the community works. It was such a cool experience to see someone I knew from the community in our classroom, and he taught us such valuable lessons. One of my favorite memories from grade school was going to Exchange City (JA BizTown). There wasn't another experience like it where we were able to have a job and contribute to a society."

Image caption: Brittney Carstens

Brittney Carstens, Student Events Manager
Junior Achievement of the Heartland

"My Junior Achievement experience in second grade, assembling donuts with the guidance of our volunteer who was a Realtor, left a lasting impression. Seeing that volunteer active in the community, inspired me to not only pursue a personal interest in real estate, but to become a JA volunteer myself and to build a career with Junior Achievement. I'm proud to now help empower the next generation."