Our Blog
Building Brighter Futures: How Junior Achievement Is Improving Economic Mobility for Eastern Iowa Students
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Economic mobility is about creating opportunities. It means helping young people gain the knowledge, experiences, confidence, and connections they need to build successful futures, regardless of where they start. At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, that belief drives everything we...
Leadership in Action: Meet Ben Hektoen
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is proud to welcome Ben Hektoen to the Corridor Community Impact Board.
As Operations Manager at New Leader Manufacturing, Ben understands the importance of preparing today's students for tomorrow's workforce. His experience leading teams, improving operations, and developing talent gives him a unique perspective on the skills young people need to succeed after...
She’s Helping Students See Careers They Never Knew Existed: Jamie Bateman’s JA Story
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Jamie Bateman, Senior Manager of Operations at CRST, volunteers with to help students explore careers in trucking, supply chain, and logistics through hands-on learning...
One JA Experience Changed Her Future — Now Danica Wilcox Is Helping Shape the Next Generation
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Danica Wilcox knows firsthand the impact Junior Achievement can have on a student’s future. After participating in JA as an 8th grader, she was inspired to pursue a career in business and...
Welcoming Samantha Klaren to Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Please join us in welcoming Samantha Klaren to the Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa team as our new Curriculum...
Opening Doors to Possibility: Celebrating Dr. Danielle Riney
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
It started with one teacher who saw her potential. Today, Dr. Danielle Riney is opening doors for the next generation—helping students explore possibilities and see what’s...
From Learning to Earning: How Skills Build the Foundation for Economic Growth
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
For today’s students, the journey from learning to earning is more complex than ever before. A rapidly evolving economy shaped by technological innovation, shifting workforce demands, and new career pathways requires more than academic knowledge alone. It requires a strong foundation of skills that can translate into real-world success. We believe that building these skills early is essential not...
From Curiosity to Confidence: How One Educator Is Shaping Student Futures
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Ann Jameson, an 18-year educator with the Cedar Rapids Community School District, is passionate about helping students discover both the power of science and their own potential. Through her work supporting magnet schools and implementing 3DE and Junior Achievement programs, she creates learning experiences that connect classroom content to real-world opportunities. Ann believes curiosity,...
A Grandmother’s Impact: Turning Life Experience into Student Success
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
After a 40-year career in financial advising, Marlis Gilbert is now investing in the next generation—starting with her granddaughters’ classroom. As a Junior Achievement volunteer, she brings real-world financial concepts to life through JA Our City®, helping students connect what they learn to their own experiences. From understanding taxes to recognizing entrepreneurship in their own families,...
From Florida to the Classroom: How Kelli Artley Is Making an Impact Through Financial Education
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Kelli Artley returned to Iowa in 2025 with a desire to reconnect with her community—and found purpose through volunteering with Junior Achievement. For the past eight years, she has helped students build financial literacy and confidence through programs like JA Our City®, JA Career Speakers®, and BizTown® by Junior Achievement. Her story highlights the powerful impact volunteers have—not just on...
