Volunteer Spotlight: Deb Vogt

Author: Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Published: Tuesday, 18 Nov 2025

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Image of a woman and a student holding a certificate

Image caption: Retired Transamerica trainer Deb Vogt brings her passion for helping others learn and grow into the classroom as a dedicated Junior Achievement volunteer.

For Deb Vogt, helping others learn and grow has always been at the heart of everything she does. After a rewarding 24-year career at Transamerica Life Insurance Company—where she spent her final seven years as a corporate trainer—Deb now channels her passion for teaching and connection into her volunteer work with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI).

A lifelong Benton County resident, Deb grew up in Urbana and now calls Shellsburg home. When she’s not in Iowa, she and her husband enjoy time at their Florida home, balancing their love of both sunshine and the Midwest. With four grown sons and eight grandchildren, life stays full and joyful.

Volunteering has been a constant thread throughout Deb’s life—whether serving on PTOs, Jaycees, church boards, or the local library board. So, when she learned about Junior Achievement, it felt like a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to giving back. “I got involved with Junior Achievement for the same reason I loved being a corporate trainer,” Deb shared. “To help students learn and grow and to prepare them to be inspired, informed, and contributing citizens in their communities.”

Over the past four years, Deb has brought Junior Achievement (JA) lessons to kindergarten, first-, and second-grade classrooms, often facilitating multiple programs at once. She lights up when describing the excitement that fills the room. “It’s really fun to step into the classroom and recognize kids who also recognize me,” she said. “Even outside of school, they’ll run up, hug me, and say, ‘Hi, Miss Deb!’ I love that connection.”

One of her favorite JA activities comes from the second-grade curriculum—an exercise where students make mock pizzas to learn about teamwork, production, and quality control. They earn play JA money for their efforts, which Deb then ties to real-world lessons about taxes and community support. To end the program on a high note, she brings in trinkets and treats to create a “JA store,” where students spend their remaining JA dollars. “It’s so much fun for them and for me,” she said.

Image of a woman with a group of students

Image caption: From making “mock pizzas” to teaching teamwork and financial basics, Deb brings learning to life for students across Benton County.

For Deb, volunteering with JA is not just about teaching financial literacy—it’s about building community. “I love getting to know the teachers and feeling that sense of connection,” she said. She also has a deep appreciation for educators. “I’ve come to have a new respect for what teachers and associates go through, especially with large classes. The mutual respect between students and teachers is something I truly admire.”

Kira Cannon, JAEI Education Coordinator, sees firsthand the impact Deb makes. “Deb has been requested by several teachers to be their JA volunteer this school year,” Kira said. “I’ve reached out a few different times to her, and she has been so willing and excited to deliver JA in their classrooms again.”

When asked what advice she would give to someone thinking about volunteering, Deb encourages others to simply jump in. “Pick a grade that feels comfortable and try it out,” she said. “It’s only five sessions, each just 30–45 minutes, and JA provides everything you need. You just add your own touch.”

From inspiring young students to supporting local educators, Deb embodies the spirit of Junior Achievement. Her dedication, warmth, and enthusiasm make a lasting difference in every classroom she visits—and her community is stronger because of it.