A Grandmother’s Impact: Turning Life Experience into Student Success

Image caption: Marlis Gilbert is helping students build real-world financial skills—and confidence for the future.

For Marlis Gilbert, volunteering with Junior Achievement is more than giving back—it’s a chance to connect with her granddaughters while helping shape how students understand their financial futures. After a 40-year career as a financial advisor and partner at a private wealth management firm in West Des Moines, Marlis is now retired and living in Ankeny with her husband. When her twin granddaughters began talking about Junior Achievement lessons as early as kindergarten—especially the concept of “wants versus needs”—it sparked her interest. “I loved the idea of volunteering in their classrooms, teaching concepts that build the foundation of their financial future,” she shared.

Marlis began volunteering in 2025, teaching JA Our City®, where she quickly discovered how engaged and curious students are when learning about real-world concepts. “It was a joy to see the students take new concepts and build on their previous knowledge,” she said, noting that there was often more discussion than time allowed. That curiosity led to meaningful moments, including one close to home. During a family trip, one of her granddaughters was surprised when a bracelet cost more than expected due to sales tax. At the time, the explanation didn’t quite stick—but after learning about taxes in the classroom, everything clicked. “She gained a better understanding of their purpose and benefits,” Marlis said, “even if they’re still not her favorite.”

Experiences like that highlight the power of these lessons. Marlis also found it especially meaningful when students eagerly shared stories about entrepreneurs in their own lives—family businesses, side ventures, or selling crafts with their parents—proudly connecting what they were learning to the world around them. “They were proud of those examples,” she said. Through Junior Achievement, she sees students gaining practical knowledge and confidence that will help them make informed decisions, not just someday, but throughout their lives. She was also surprised by how familiar many students already are with financial tools like online banking, debit cards, and credit cards—reinforcing the importance of guiding that understanding early.

For Marlis, the experience has been both simple and deeply rewarding. “The curriculum is straightforward, the students are enthusiastic, and the time commitment is minimal—but incredibly rewarding,” she said. What began as a way to be involved in her granddaughters’ education has become an opportunity to help prepare the next generation with the skills and mindset they need to navigate their futures with confidence—building stronger communities through a more prepared workforce.