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Celebrate Leadership. Invest in the Future. Corridor Business Hall of Fame Returns September 18th
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Join us for the 26th annual Corridor Business Hall of Fame, presented by U.S. Bank, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cedar Rapids. This black-tie gala will honor John R. Balmer, Chris & Suzy DeWolf, Pat McGrath, and entrepreneur Brandon Pratt for their outstanding leadership and impact in Eastern Iowa. Proceeds support Junior Achievement programs that prepare local...
Real World Rundown: A Conversation with Superintendent Dr. Douglas Wheeler
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
In this episode of Real World Rundown, Dr. Nate Klein talks with Dr. Doug Wheeler, Superintendent of College Community School District. A longtime JA partner, College Community has helped pioneer programs like JA BizTown® Mobile and 3DE™ in Eastern Iowa. Doug shares insights on leadership, innovation, and the district’s guiding motto: “Their future, our...
🎧 Introducing: Real World Rundown — A Podcast Powered by Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Real World Rundown is Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s new podcast hosted by Dr. Nate Klein, featuring real conversations about work, money, and life. The first episode kicks off with Christine Landa, JAEI’s President, discussing leadership and the impact of JA. Tune in for honest stories and practical insights from students, educators, and community leaders.
🎧 Listen on Spotify:...
JA Workforce with State Farm
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
Starting a career can be daunting, especially when faced with crucial decisions and additional challenges such as growing up in foster care, single parenting, or other significant life hurdles. In these situations, support becomes even more...
Employee Spotlight: Kristi Brown — Turning Purpose Into Progress
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Kristi Brown, Stewardship Director at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, has spent over a decade turning her passion for education and community impact into meaningful work. After leaving a corporate sales role, Kristi found purpose at JA—where she now leads grant writing and donor stewardship efforts. In her spotlight, she shares what keeps her inspired: watching students engage deeply in...
Join Our Team: Now Hiring an Education Coordinator!
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Are you passionate about education, community engagement, and helping young people succeed? Do you thrive in a role that blends relationship-building with purpose-driven work? Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is hiring a part-time Education Coordinator—and we’re looking for someone who’s ready to make an...
Where Vision Meets Impact: 2025 Board Celebration Recap
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
On Tuesday, June 24th, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) welcomed 48 board members, who are comprised of superintendents and community leaders, to Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery in Swisher for our 2025 Regional Board Celebration. The setting was perfect for a collaborative afternoon of reflection, recognition, and forward-looking discussion on how JAEI continues to empower students across...
2025 Future Bound by Junior Achievement
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Entrepreneurship
From June 8–11, the brightest young minds in entrepreneurship gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, for the inaugural Future BoundTM by Junior Achievement. This dynamic event brought together high school students from across the United States to showcase their innovative projects, demonstrate business acumen, and compete for national recognition for their outstanding achievements. A true celebration of...
Staff Spotlight: Heather Henning – Bringing Career Exploration to Life
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Heather Henning, Regional Experiential Learning Coordinator at JAEI, brings over 20 years of youth development experience to her role, leading impactful career readiness programs like JA Career Inspire®. With a global background and a passion for hands-on learning, Heather works year-round to connect students with real-world opportunities. Outside of work, she enjoys life on her family’s acreage...
Educator Spotlight: Becca Carrothers – Creating Classrooms Kids Can't Wait to Enter
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
In this Educator Spotlight, we meet Becca Carrothers, a 6th-grade teacher at Alburnett Community Schools and proud JA alum. Becca shares how Junior Achievement programs like JA BizTown® Mobile and JA It’s My Future® have helped her students build real-world skills, form meaningful peer connections, and grow in confidence. With a passion for creating memorable learning experiences, Becca is shaping...
