Staff Spotlight: Heather Henning, Regional Experiential Learning Coordinator

Author: Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Published: Friday, 30 May 2025

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Image caption: Heather Henning helps bring career exploration to life for students through hands-on learning experiences across Eastern Iowa.

Heather Henning serves as the Regional Experiential Learning Coordinator at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI), where she leads initiatives focused on Work and Career Readiness. Her primary role includes overseeing the planning and execution of the annual JA Career Inspire® events held each fall in the Cedar Valley and the Corridor—hands-on, immersive career exploration experiences that reach more than 5,000 students each year. In addition, Heather collaborates year-round with local businesses to coordinate engaging work readiness activities, including Career Speaking events that bring professionals into classrooms to share their career journeys.

Heather joined JAEI in August 2023, bringing with her over two decades of experience in youth development. Originally from California, her career path has taken her across the globe—including work as a civilian contractor supporting programs for military youth at U.S. Army installations overseas. Her passion for helping young people discover their interests and strengths through experiential learning is what led her to JA, where she now continues that mission within school settings.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communications with a minor in Recreation Management, and a Master’s degree in Leisure, Youth and Human Service Administration. Heather is also a graduate of the Civilian Army Leadership Advanced School, further enhancing her leadership skills in youth program development.

What inspired Heather to join JA? “JA strives to build skills in youth and sees the importance of involving our community in sharing passions with young people. Our societal dynamics are ever-evolving, and it's so important to share this with the next generation.”

Her favorite JA program is JA Career Inspire®, which she calls “an energizing two-day event where students interact with nearly 70 industry professionals to learn about career options and educational pathways in a dynamic, hands-on setting.”

Outside of work, Heather enjoys life on an acreage just south of Waterloo with her three children—each at different life stages, keeping the household full of activity and growth. Her family enjoys gardening, swimming, and outdoor adventures like camping, kayaking, and paddleboarding. They also love traveling, especially to visit relatives on the West Coast or find spontaneous escapes to the beach—wherever that may be.

Heather is also active in her community, cheering on her kids at sporting events and chaperoning FFA competitions with her daughter.