Junior Achievement Volunteer, Melissa Winter, Honored with Top National Award

Author: Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Published: Wednesday, 04 Dec 2024

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Image caption: Melissa Winter, SVP Wealth Management and Insurance GreenState Credit Union

Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JA) is thrilled to celebrate one of its own, Melissa Winter, as a recipient of Junior Achievement’s Gold Leadership Award—the organization’s highest national honor for volunteerism. Melissa, Vice President of Wealth Management and Insurance at GreenState Credit Union, was selected as one of just twelve honorees from among more than 150,000 volunteers across the country.

The Gold Leadership Award recognizes individuals who exemplify excellence in supporting Junior Achievement’s mission by expanding its student impact, resources, operational success, and sustainability. Melissa’s volunteer contributions during the 2023-2024 school year stood out for their profound impact on students in Eastern Iowa.

“Our local business community’s support of JA is critical to achieving our mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in the global economy,” said Christine Landa, President of Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa. “Melissa Winter is a remarkable example of that spirit of dedication and service to others. In a very real way, she helps JA students in Eastern Iowa get the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices.”

Melissa’s Journey with Junior Achievement

Melissa’s involvement with JA began in her early years in Cedar Rapids after attending a volunteer recruitment luncheon. Reflecting on the experience, Melissa shared, “Junior Achievement struck a chord with me. Our oldest son was just starting kindergarten, and I saw volunteering as a way to stay connected and involved.”

Her passion for JA’s mission grew over the years as she taught JA classes for both of her sons and continued volunteering long after they became adults. “I’ve come to realize how passionate I am about financial literacy and the vital work Junior Achievement does to prepare students with skills they might not learn or be exposed to anywhere else,” Melissa said.

“As Junior Achievement has evolved in how it delivers content to students through experiential learning, the core competencies have remained steadfast,” she added. “These students are our next leaders, and it’s critical that we invest in them to ensure they have the financial background to make good decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities. That’s why I’ve stayed involved and will continue to invest my time in our future. And I still teach kindergarten—they are the best!”

A Lasting Impact

Melissa’s leadership and dedication exemplify her commitment to empowering the next generation. Her contributions have positively influenced countless students, providing them with the tools and confidence to navigate their academic and professional journeys.

Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa congratulates Melissa on this incredible achievement and thanks her for her unwavering commitment to shaping the future of the community.

About Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement’s programs focus on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness, empowering students nationwide with the skills they need to succeed. These programs are often delivered in classrooms by volunteer role models like Melissa, who bring real-world experience to life for students.