Congratulations to Whitney Schreder, CBJ Forty Under 40 Honoree and JAEI Leader

Author: Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Published: Tuesday, 26 Aug 2025

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Image caption: Whitney Schreder, Vice President of Finance, ensures JAEI’s financial health while championing programs that empower young people—earning her recognition as a CBJ Forty Under 40 honoree.

We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on our very own Whitney Schreder, Vice President of Finance, who has been named a Corridor Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree!

The Forty Under 40 awards recognize leaders under the age of 40 who have made a significant impact in both business and community early in their careers. Honorees are selected by a panel of past recipients, weighing both professional success and civic engagement equally. Whitney’s recognition is a true reflection of her dedication, talent, and heart for service.

Whitney has been part of Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) since 2012. She began as an Operations Manager focusing on accounting data entry, later expanded into human resources, and now serves as Vice President of Finance—working closely with JAEI’s Regional Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, and Foundation Board to ensure the financial health of the organization and align financial priorities with strategic goals.

What inspires Whitney most about her work is the people. She says, “Every iteration of our team has been amazing, and working with our Board members has inspired me to get involved with other causes that I am passionate about.”

Her passion for JA’s mission runs deep. Whitney has volunteered across all program levels—from elementary classrooms to middle school experiential learning, and even at the high school level with 3DE™. One of her favorite moments is experiencing the energy at JA Career Inspire®, where students have hands-on opportunities to explore a wide variety of career paths. She’s also deeply committed to financial literacy, sharing: “It’s all about providing the access to the tools that can empower kids to chart their own future, regardless of their background.”

Christine Landa, President of JAEI, reflected on Whitney’s leadership in her nomination for Forty Under 40:

“Whitney exemplifies the highest standards of financial leadership, professional integrity, and collaborative spirit. Her ability to analyze complex data, anticipate fiscal trends, and implement strategic solutions has directly contributed to our long-term stability and growth. She’s not just a financial expert; she is a force for positive change and organizational success.”

Christine added:

“Whitney’s leadership, integrity, and passion for our mission have made an incredible impact on Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa. Her ability to pair financial expertise with a heart for empowering young people is truly inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder to see her recognized as a Forty Under 40 honoree.”

Outside of work, Whitney is a certified yoga instructor and incorporates meditation practices into her daily routine. She’s also passionate about community involvement and encourages others to support JA’s mission through volunteering: in classrooms, mobile simulations, career fairs, financial literacy events, or fundraising opportunities.

We are so proud of Whitney and grateful for her 13 years of service to JAEI. Her recognition as a Forty Under 40 honoree is well deserved and a testament to her commitment to empowering young people across Eastern Iowa.

Congratulations, Whitney!