Employee Spotlight: Kristi Brown — Turning Purpose Into Progress

Author: Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Published: Friday, 27 Jun 2025

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Image caption: Kristi Brown, Stewardship Director at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, combines her passion for education with a commitment to building meaningful donor relationships that fuel student success.

When Kristi Brown walked away from her corporate sales job over a decade ago, it wasn’t because she lacked success. It was because she craved something more meaningful—a chance to give back to the community she called home.

“I couldn’t get behind what I was selling,” Kristi recalls. “I wanted my work to make a difference.”

That desire to contribute to the greater good eventually led her to Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI), where she now serves as Stewardship Director. Since 2013, Kristi has been a driving force behind JAEI’s fundraising efforts—crafting compelling grant proposals, connecting with donors, and aligning philanthropic passions with Junior Achievement’s (JA) mission to equip students for brighter futures.

Her passion for education runs deep. With a degree in Public Relations from the University of Northern Iowa and minors in marketing and journalism, Kristi’s communication skills help her tell the JA story in ways that resonate with funders and partners. “Education is something I strongly believe everyone should have access to,” she says. “Junior Achievement allows me to be part of that solution.”

But it’s not just the grant wins or donor meetings that fuel her fire. It’s the students. Whether she’s teaching a JA Our Nation® class or attending JA Career Inspire®, Kristi lights up when young learners engage deeply with the material. She recalls a classroom moment where a student asked, “What happens if you don’t get the job?”—a question that sparked a meaningful conversation about resilience, gratitude, and growth.

“That question told me everything I needed to know,” Kristi says. “They were listening. They wanted to learn more.”

Outside of work, Kristi enjoys an active life with her husband and three children—biking, walking, and exploring local parks together. She’s also a fan of suspense novels and recently completed the Cedar Valley Leadership Institute to further her impact as a leader in the community.

Twelve years into her JA journey, Kristi remains as passionate as ever. “We’re constantly evolving to meet students where they are,” she says. “That’s what keeps me here—knowing we’re helping shape not just students’ learning, but their lives.”