Karen Gallant, the new CEO of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario, chats about working to make a difference, the digital transformation and her short-lived accountant aspirations.
KAREN GALLANT IS the new CEO of Junior Achievement South Western Ontario, replacing Bev Robinson, who retired after running the London organization for nearly 15 years. Prior to taking the role in May, Gallant was a vice-president with Junior Achievement Canada.
Robert Atkinson currently works in Data Center Operations at Western University. He’s been a JA Volunteer for 29 years, having supported Company Program, Business Basics, and Economics of Success
Robert’s JA Experience
As a student I was in a “Company of the Year” in the company program. As a mentor I have enjoyed working with smart, articulate and energetic Achievers that have helped me retain my “spirit of youth”. My JA experience has given me more confidence in connecting and networking with people.
Advice to Students
Don’t let your work define who you are as a person. Work is important, but it’s not all that you need to focus on in life.
Erica McAlister
JA Company Program 2016-2017
About Erica
Erica McAlister got her start at JA. She fell in love with entrepreneurship and has continued down the entrepreneurship path. Erica ran a window cleaning franchisee with college pro when she was in university. She is now an advisor with Sun Life, running her own financial business through them.
Erica’s JA Experience
Erica has been volunteering at JA for three years and enjoys teaching in the class and mentoring at JA Company Program. She says JA has impacted her career and what she wanted to do with her life.
Reflection for Students
I am so lucky with the financial knowledge I gained at a young age. It had a massive impact on my life.
Don Critelli
JA Volunteer since 2004
About Don
Don Critelli is a retired Sales Professional who has always been passionate about evolving technologies both from a software and hardware perspective. His sales career began in the family furniture business at a very young age. His father always spent time mentoring him from warehouse duties, deliveries and providing the best customer experience. It was his father’s confidence in Don’s work habits and ethics that made Don choose to work in a variety of sales positions. He is very grateful for the mentors he had during his sales career. There were many occasions when coworkers and managers would volunteer their time to help Don when he needed it the most. Don continues to help others through his volunteer work at the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce, YMCA Immigration Employment Services and Junior Achievement.
Don’s JA Experience
I think I have volunteered for JA for almost 20 years in a variety of roles. (Board of Directors for 7 or 9 years, fund raising activities, Golf Committee Chair, Taught Grade 7 & 8 Economics for Success, and participated in all events)
As golf committee chair the tournament frequently raised between $22,000 and $33,000.Just experiencing the friendships with fellow board members that always went far beyond what was expected because we all agreed it was essential for JA at that time. We enjoyed every minute of it.
What Don wishes he knew in High school
I wish I could have taken part of the JA Company Program. I wish knew more about companies, organizational structure, and the basic principles around business. I didn’t understand any of this until I attended a Two-Year Marketing coarse at Mohawk College.
JA Impact
I have met many great people and It definitely contributed to some of my success as a sales professional and volunteer. I also learned a lot about the responsibilities of a Board Member.
Kimberly Watters
JA Volunteer since 2014
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a mom of 2 beautiful daughters and a “Nana” to 2 amazing grandchildren. She has worked for RBC for over 35 years. She is currently the Sr. Mgr. of Regional Capacity Planning for SWO responsible for identify improvement opportunities in the efficiency, effectiveness and enablement in workforce planning and scheduling. She loves to foster environments that embrace change and learning opportunities. She thrives in helping our communities prosper and is a dedicated volunteer in the community in a variety of roles.
Kimberly’s JA Experience
I originally started with JA in Spring of 2014 facilitating the program delivery for Economics for Success and World of Choice Career Fairs. I took a pause Dec 2018 as I made a career change that had a little bit of a learning curve. I became an active JA volunteer again in the fall of 2020 aligned to the Virtual Dollars and Sense Program and joined the virtual World of Choices team.
I had always wanted to be a teacher, educate youth, help grow and develop the future of our youth. I had volunteered with Girl Guides for a while and was looking for a new volunteer opportunity. JA seems to fit right in with my personal and work vision and values. RBC helps support initiatives that assist youth is realizing and obtaining their full potential and JA felt like it was a perfect fit.
I thrive in my work and family life balance in a high paced change environment. Our youth will have to be able to be flexible, agile and resilient as they become young adults. I am very passionate about contributing to their learning and help them understand how to be set up for success as they start to plan their life’s journey. Knowledge and understanding will help them build a foundation.
Advice to JA Volunteers
To anyone considering volunteering I would say, “Lean in, all the way”. The students will help and guide you. There is no right or wrong but there is a wonderful journey that you take together. Go inspire others to be the best version of themselves that they can be.
JA Impact
I love getting into a classroom (F2F or virtual) and listen to the students open up like a flower blooming. The inquiries start, usually with a few very basic questions but the momentum builds and they start to get more inquisitive. The direction starts to shift toward big life situations that feel like they are way ahead of them but will happened before they know it.
Volunteering with JA from 2020 to now, particularly during COVID, has helped fill a void. It gave me a sense of purpose and belonging. Inspiring them, helped inspire me to volunteer. Hoping make a difference, impacting one student at a time. It made my half empty heart, fill full again.
I get all giggle excited when I see resumes or interview candidates that were previous JA participants. The ability inspire and to watch our youth grow and plan for their futures is very rewarding.
Taylor McRae
JA Company Program 2012-2016
About Taylor
Taylor is the Tournament & Grants Coordinator at Wesley Clover Parks. She has a Joint Honours BSocSci in Political Science and Philosophy as well as a Masters Degree in Political Science with a focus on Neuropolitics both from University of Ottawa
She does use knowledge that she learned during her studies everyday in her work. As a competition organizer and grant writer/manager she is constantly working alongside government organizations and provincial/territorial sport organizations (PTSOs). However, equestrian sport organization is not a typical path following a degree in political science or philosophy. She loved working toward her degrees in post-secondary education and will perhaps go back for another degree someday. She says there is always room and time for more learning!
Taylor also has her own business on the side where she does grant management, event coordination, and executive administration. She truly enjoys the work she does in her small business, whether it be helping provincial organizations to run large scale events, consulting on grants for emerging NPOs, or even acting as a day of wedding coordinator! Her small business allows her to pursue all of her passions and help others succeed in their goals.
Taylor’s JA Experience
My four years as a company program student open the doors to a wealth of opportunities. Throughout my time with the program I had fabulous mentors like Karen Chafe, Omar Hamid & Robert Atkinson among many others. During the program I also was able to chat frequently with Lesley Quesnelle and Bev Robinson who were always more than willing to share their wealth of knowledge with students like myself. My favourite memories include end of term trips to InfoTech which certainly upped the ante of final board meetings and always included a tour of the inspiring facility. Experiences like this helped me to shape what I looked for in a future career and how I wanted to show up and perform each day. My favourite product made during my time in company program was with the company ‘Centsibility’ during my final year in the program. Our company focused on a simple product, the ‘Save, Spend, Share Jars’ coupled with a financial literacy program. The term felt like a great finale to a wonderful four years.
In my final two years of company program I also spent time volunteering and then later working with Camp Business Basics and Camp CEO. The six weeks of camp each summer were always so inspiring to see kids brainstorm, produce, and then sell their products each week on an ultra accelerated timeline. Regardless of monetary success everyone walked away each week having learned something which was phenomenal to see.
I have also been lucky since moving to Ottawa to volunteer on and off with Company Program. Albert Wong, director of JA Ottawa leads a phenomenal team delivering JA programming across the city. I have volunteered with JA Ottawa both in person and also as a virtual mentor during the pandemic. Working with students via the program never ceases to amaze and inspire me as each year students come back with bigger, better and more brilliant ideas than ever before.
Advice to Students
My favourite pieces of advice to give to high school students are a) to take their time and b) to try a little bit of everything.
We truly live in a world of specialization and this can be somewhat to our detriment. While it is different from my direct experience, from my time working as a student advisor during university I’ve learned that taking an extra year or two to take time between high school and university/college/trades school can make a world of difference and save someone thousands of dollars. Highschool goes by in the blink of an eye and what you think you want at 17 or 18 will most likely be different than what you want at 22 or 27.
My second piece of advice to try a little bit of everything is something to hone in on while in high school, try as many clubs as possible, say yes to different experiences, and seek out programs like JA. What this will do is give you the chance to explore what you like and who you are outside of the classroom which in turn will help you to shape what you might like to do in the future.
Everyone always thought I’d be a lawyer, even myself. I had always done horseback riding so when I got to university, naturally, I joined the school’s team. As part of being on the team, we had to host one competition annually. Over the course of doing so for four years, I fell in love with competition organizing. Coming out of my undergrad there was an opportunity to be an event assistant at Wesley Clover Parks. I continued that work through my masters and now today after a brief time away writing grants and funding for a major defense company, I am back at Wesley Clover Parks doing something I love every day. Had I not participated in extracurriculars I would’ve never discovered a way to pursue my passion as a career.uable, providing better preparation for life and future careers, regardless of the chosen industry.
JA Impact
JA gave me a really solid foundation, helping me to center and organize my work ethic towards what I am passionate about. Via my experience with JA I learned how to be a leader but I also learned how to be a great team member. From my mentors I learned how to show up prepared and organized so that I could maximize the most of our short time together. I am confident, efficient and effective in all that I take on and I believe a large part of that can be attributed to my time in JA’s various programs and the phenomenal mentors I spent time with.
Callie Sweet
Camp Business Basics 2014,2016, JA Company Program 2021-2023, Speech & Debate Program 2022, JA Camp StartUp Counsellor 2023
About Callie
Callie is currently a first year student at the University of Waterloo in the Honours Arts and Business Co-op program, majoring in Communication Arts and Design Practice (CADP) and minoring in Political Science. She is also the Marketing Coordinator with the Arts and Business Society at the University of Waterloo.
Callie is involved in the entrepreneurship community at the University of Waterloo through Velocity, our business incubator, and Greenhouse at United College, a social impact incubator. I am also involved in building the new Creative Hub at Velocity. In the coming years, I hope to help many fellow entrepreneurs build their brand identities through Velocity.
Callie’s JA Experience
My experience with JA started with the summer camp back when it was still called Business Basics. I attended the camp for two years. Later, in high school, I participated in the Company Program.
I was the VP of Marketing for the Roseate Collection 2021-2022 Company Program, driving change in the mental health community through a love of reading by selling bookmarks featuring positive affirmations and building an online community of readers.
I was also the President of the Spark Change Club 2022-2023 Company Program, facilitating community partnerships to raise money and awareness surrounding the devastating February 2022 earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.
In 2022, I was recognized as VP of Marketing of the Year in the JASWO charter. In 2023, I was honoured with the Brayl Copp Business Leader Award. In both years I received the Company Leadership Award and represented my company at the Dragons’ Lair Trade Show and Pitch Competition.
After graduating from the Company Program, I returned to JA as a Summer Camp Counsellor to share my love for entrepreneurship and to inspire campers.
JA continues to be a fantastic way to connect with like-minded individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit and a drive for social change. I made some of my closest friends and professional connections through the JA community, and the mentorship of fellow members of the JA network has helped me launch my future career in marketing.
Advice to Students
My advice for high school students is to participate in activities related to their future career aspirations. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore their interests and gain experience that will be beneficial in the future.
JA Impact
My experience with JA has been valuable for my professional growth in the business world. Not only has it helped me improve my performance, but it has also contributed to my business education. I have been able to apply many of the concepts I learned in my degree courses to my experiences with JA.
Danielle Corcoran
JA Company Program 1986 – 1987
About Danielle
Danielle is the Owner/Money Coach of The Corcoran Coaching Group.
She received a tourism and business degree from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax in 1991. She worked in the hotel and tourism industry for many years prior to graduation, however the last 20 years she stayed in business, but not in tourism.
She owned Floor Source in St. John’s Newfoundland. This was a flooring and kitchen cabinetry store. This lasted for almost 10 years and was a multi million dollar operation, however, due to builders going bankrupt and not paying their invoices, they had to close our operation, not from lack of business, but due to cash flow. Due to the level of mental stress this caused Danielle, she decided to get more educated around money and became a Financial advisor. She then pivoted into coaching others about money and helping individuals, families and entrepreneurs on money management through The Corcoran Coaching Group.
Danielle’s JA Experience
We lived in a Steel town, and our product was pen set made out of a railway tie made from scrap metal from Sydney Steel. We got the product for free. We had to file it down to a smooth product and drill holes for pens, and then sent the product to be dipped in chrome. Once returned we attached the pens and sold it for $16.95. A student’s dad’s company did the chrome for us, but we ended up getting a large amount of pre-orders, and they got overwhelmed with the amount they were doing for us, so they increased the cost. Our issue was now we didn’t feel we could increase our prices on the pre-orders. At the end of the day, we broke even, but didn’t make any money and we didn’t manage to fulfill all of the orders. We won best product of the year nationally and I won Comptroller of the year and The Schulich Award for Entrepreneurship scholarship of $1500.
Advice to Students
Money is the one subject that doesn’t seem to get taught to students, whether it’s through parents or the school system. I would encourage high school students to learn basic money management concepts. Learn about how to use credit cards properly, what a credit score is and why it’s important, budgeting, and what to do today to reach long term goals such as buying a home and retirement. The internet has amazing content and courses, and parents are a good resource to have money conversations.
I feel that money is still considered a taboo topic and my company’s mission is to normalize money conversations. Learn how money works, learn how to save before spending, paying yourself first, and how compound interest works. I believe parents can start teaching simple strategies as early as 5 years old with allowances to teach these topics and more. Money is a tool and should be used to teach kids and young adults today for preparing for the future.
I would let kids know that it’s important to understand that we have an relationship with money and the better our relationship with money is, the more money we will have. I would tell students that making money isn’t the goal. The goal is the freedom and opportunities that money offers, and making money and managing it properly is vital to having the life you want in the future.
I wish I really understood how compound interest and investing worked when I was younger and took advantage of being young and investing early. Even though I met with Financial advisors in my 20s they weren’t explaining it in terms that I understood and I felt embarrassed that I didn’t understand what they were telling me. When I saw my investment lose money, I took it out. lol.
So today, I make sure I teach young people about why money is a critical tool to learn how to use and how it impacts every aspect of your life and something you need everyday for the rest of your life.
JA Impact
As the controller of my JA Company, I learned about bookkeeping. I have always enjoyed working with numbers and today educating others on how to manage their own money can be directly related to my experience with JA, especially when I work with entrepreneurs.
Dan Knight
JA Company Program 2005 – 2007
About Dan
Dan Knight is the Frontline Ministry Director at Forest City Community Church. He took an event management program at Mount Royal University. Dan took part in JA Company Program at JA South Western Ontario from 2005-2007, also participating in CANJAC and the Tiger Woods Course. He credits JA with giving him the skills to start the event and wedding planning business he has run for 12 years. Dan currently also supports Junior Achievement as a JA Company Program Volunteer Mentor!
Dan’s JA Experience
JA really helped me to come out of my shell and sparked my entreneurship journey! I remember making chalkboards one year, wine bottle holder another and metal bookmarks and necklaces another year. I remember going to Montreal for CANJAC where I got to meet other JA students from around the world.
Advice to Students
Check out programs like JA as early as you can as it’s going to benefit you in more ways than one.
JA Impact
JA helped me become who I am today. I was super shy entering JA and the programs helped me overcome that.
Jenna Goodhand
JA Company Program 2000-2002
About Jenna
Jenna Goodhand participated in the JA Company Program in London, Ontario from 2000-2002. She currently operates two public businesses and a private consultation and coaching practice. She is the owner and CEO of Cafézia Coffee, a company that manufactures wellness coffee that reduces the negative effects of caffeine, while enhancing the positive ones. She is also the founder and owner of Speaker Comfort and Confidence, a public training and certification for enhancing public speaking skills.
Jenna did her undergrad at the University of Waterloo in Peace and Conflict Studies and Political Science and her Masters in International Economic Relations at an international school in Hungary.
Jenna’s JA Experience
I participated in two years of the Company Program. The first year I was super shy but by the second year I took on the role of president for my company. Both years my company sold the same product; A Night at the Movies at Home. This included a large popcorn bowl with two cans of pop, two bags of microwaveable popcorn, two chocolate bars and a coupon for pizza. It was $10 and probably weighed 10 pounds as we walked door-to-door and neighbourhood to neighbourhood. 😉
Advice to Students
Try out as many different things in your life as possible. Maybe that’s a business idea, maybe that’s exploring a topic you know nothing about or engaging with a group of people you don’t think you have anything in common with. If you think that you have a talent or an idea, and imagining yourself living in a way where you get to act that talent or idea out makes you excited and nervous at the same time, you owe it to yourself to move one step closer in the direction of that calling to see what happens. Also, you can reinvent your life as many times as you want!
JA Impact
I have never stopped being an entrepreneur since my days at Junior Achievement. From a vegan cupcake business in University to a Coworking Community Space out of an old farmhouse, I continue to explore and create businesses that reflect my passions and human needs.
Junior Achievement taught me that you can get started with just a piece of paper and an idea. You don’t need an elaborate business plan. You don’t need a team. You just need to believe in a vision and take that first action towards making it real.
Debbi Jarvis (Bruce)
JA Company Program 1966-67
About Debbi
Debbi is a Retired Nurse and was the Director of a Resource Centre/Bookstore.
She says her JA experience made her more confident and curated an ability to speak in front of an audience.
Her JA Memories
The one year the first product we made was gold spray-painted Christmas wreaths made of old computer punch cards. The second one I can remember was coasters made of plastic that was shaped in a mold. In my second year I was vice president, likely of production, as we had no HR in those days. I remember the banquets at the Ivanhoe Curling Club and other small parties we held on site. I actually met a boy there from another high school (Beal) that I started to date (for over a year), which was just before I met my husband. I attended Beck Secondary School during the time I was a member.
Advice to Students
Get as much varied experiences as you can while you’re young!
Zoe Burness
JA Company Program 2012-2015
About Zoe
Zoe Burness has had a multi-faceted and extensive experience with Junior Achievement (JA) programs. They participated in the JA Company Program as a student in 2012 and 2015 and also served as a mentor in 2017. Their involvement with JA extended to the Business Basics summer camp, where they started as a camper and eventually became a volunteer and camp counsellor. Zoe further contributed to JA by delivering in-class programs from 2016 to 2018. Zoe has been closely associated with JA South Western Ontario and JA Ottawa, and their journey with JA ultimately led them to their current role as the Program Manager for the Company Program and camp at JA South Western Ontario.
Their JA Experience
Zoe’s JA journey began with the JA summer camp at the age of 11. They attended the camp for three consecutive summers, crafting various items and forming cherished memories. Over the years, they transitioned from camper to volunteer and then to camp counsellor, spending five summers in roles that helped shape the experiences of other young participants. In addition to their camp involvement, Zoe participated in the JA Company Program twice during high school, where their teams created products like infinity scarves and bath bombs. Their commitment to JA extended to mentoring a JA Ottawa team during their time at the university, and they have continued to be involved with JA in various capacities.
Advice to Students
Zoe encourages high school students not to fear failure. They emphasize that taking risks and attempting challenging tasks can lead to valuable learning experiences, regardless of the outcome. Zoe’s journey with JA, which took them out of their comfort zone and provided opportunities to build confidence and explore new possibilities, serves as a testament to the personal growth that can come from embracing challenges.
Their Impact
Zoe’s dedication to JA is evident in their role as the Program Manager for the Company Program and camp at JA South Western Ontario. Through their work, they continue to inspire and empower young individuals, helping them develop essential skills and confidence. Their journey from a shy teenager to a leader within JA demonstrates the transformative potential of JA programs and the lasting impact they can have on individuals and their communities.
Maysee McLean
JA Company Program 2017-2019
About Maysee
Maysee McLean participated in the Junior Achievement (JA) Company Program in Strathroy, Ontario, during the academic years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. Her journey in JA included creating innovative products, such as the Catch Board and Arbor’s Art, and winning accolades like Best Product and JA Dragon’s Lair Finalist. Maysee’s post-secondary education led her to Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), where she studied Media Production.
Her JA Experience
Maysee’s introduction to JA occurred during a high school business class presentation, sparking her interest in the Company Program. In her first year as the VP of Marketing, Maysee’s team developed the Catch Board, a practical and aesthetically pleasing product made from repurposed pallets. The success of this venture, winning Best Product and being a JA Dragon’s Lair Finalist, set the stage for Maysee’s impactful JA journey. In her second year, the team created Arbor’s Art, overcoming challenges and earning Maysee the Top 20 Under 40 Junior Achiever award.
Advice to Students
Maysee encourages students to seize opportunities and take advantage of what comes their way. Drawing from her own experiences, including hosting a show on Rogers TV, creating a short film with a professional production company, and helping build two companies through JA, she emphasizes the importance of going for opportunities, even if they seem daunting. Maysee’s advice underscores the potential for personal growth and unique experiences that come from embracing opportunities.
Her Impact
Maysee attributes her public speaking skills, business acumen, and leadership qualities to her JA experience. The skills learned during the Company Program have played a crucial role in her success. Currently serving as a Community Relations Associate at the Children’s Health Foundation and a professor at Fanshawe College, teaching podcasting, Maysee also co-founded the Power in Heels Podcast in 2019. The podcast, featuring powerful women sharing their journeys, continues to thrive, showcasing the lasting impact of Maysee’s JA experience on her entrepreneurial endeavours.
Theresa Kelly
JA Company Program 2017-2019
About Theresa
Theresa Kelly participated in the Junior Achievement (JA) Company Program from 2017 to 2019 in St. Thomas (London & District). Over the three years, Theresa and her teams created three distinct products, each with a social impact component. The products included Makes Scents, all-natural air fresheners, Strength in Strings, lava bead bracelets with an elephant charm, and S.O.C.S (Social Offerings, Cool Socks) tie-dye socks. Theresa’s memorable experience with Strength in Strings led to being named Company of the Year for London and District, and Theresa herself earned the President of the Year award. She represented her company at the national level, competing in Calgary for the title of National Company of the Year.
Her JA Experience
Theresa’s JA journey was marked by three diverse product ventures, each contributing to her personal and professional growth. The success of Strength in Strings, winning Company of the Year locally and representing at the national level, stands out as a highlight. The experience of meeting people from around the world at the Success Summit in Calgary left an indelible mark on Theresa.
Advice to Students
Theresa’s advice to high school students centers on pushing oneself beyond perceived limits. She emphasizes that confidence is built, not born, and encourages students to explore their full potential by stepping out of their comfort zones. Theresa’s own experience with JA and beyond serves as a testament to the transformative power of pushing one’s boundaries.
Her Impact
Theresa attributes her success to JA, particularly in developing networking and professional skills that set her apart in university. Her participation in national competitions like ACE Canada case cracking showcases the practical application of skills gained through JA. Theresa’s story reflects how JA not only shapes entrepreneurial skills but also provides a foundation for success in higher education and the professional world.
Brittany Miller
JA Company Program 2009-2012
About Brittany
Brittany Miller is the owner of Brittany Miller Socials and an entrepreneur with a passion for supporting small businesses in their social media and email marketing endeavors. Her journey into entrepreneurship was significantly influenced by her three-year participation in the Junior Achievement (JA) Company Program in St. Thomas from 2009 to 2012. Brittany holds an Honors Bachelor of Business Administration degree specializing in Human Resources from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Her JA Experience
Brittany’s JA experience was marked by three unique years, each contributing to her personal and professional growth. The first year involved creating customizable greeting cards and teaching Brittany about leadership, inventory management, and quality control. This experience pushed her out of her comfort zone, building confidence and resilience. The second year as the President of Jac and the Bean Bag allowed her to deepen her understanding of leadership and team management. The third year, selling copper bookmarks and handmade paper, showcased her versatility as she took on the roles of VP of HR and VP of Accounting, fostering her interest in HR.
Advice to Students
Brittany’s advice to high school students emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience alongside academic learning. She highlights that practical, real-world experience in trying things out is invaluable, providing better preparation for life and future careers, regardless of the chosen industry.
Her Impact
Brittany’s impact is evident in her journey from JA to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She attributes her love for entrepreneurship and the confidence to start her own business directly to her JA experience. Brittany has not only started and successfully run her current business, Brittany Miller Socials, but also previously launched Brittany & Baby Boutique. She is approaching her second business anniversary. She has expanded her influence through the Go Get Great Podcast, sharing practical tips to blend life and business for personal and professional growth.
Casey Lyall
JA Company Program 1998-2002
About Casey
Casey Lyall, currently a Children’s Book Author, had a significant Junior Achievement (JA) experience from 1998 to 2002 in the Strathroy community. Participating in The Company Program, Casey’s JA group, though small, was competitive and earned the prestigious title of Company of the Year at least once. Their standout product was a reheatable wheat bag, showcasing creativity and practicality.
Her JA Experience
Casey’s memories of JA include a small but competitive group, emphasizing teamwork, competitiveness, and camaraderie. The rural setting of Strathroy created a unique bonding experience for the team. The reheatable wheat bag not only demonstrated their entrepreneurial spirit but also provided a practical and popular product. Casey highlights the fun and teamwork as the most enjoyable aspects of her JA experience.
Advice to Students
Casey’s advice to high school students centers on being open to change and taking chances. She encourages students to recognize that it’s okay to change their paths and forge new ones, emphasizing the flexibility to evolve and adapt. Casey’s own experiences of changing directions in life serve as a testament to the value of being open-minded and willing to take risks.
Her Impact
Casey attributes her confidence boost to JA, highlighting its role in breaking her out of her shyness. The program taught her the importance of creativity and outside-the-box thinking, emphasizing the correlation between creativity, perseverance, and goal accomplishment. As a Children’s Book Author, Casey’s success can be traced back to the skills and confidence gained during her JA years.
Dana Parsons
JA Company Program 1986-1989
About Dana
Dana Parsons is the CEO and a partner in Wright Rehab, a provincial-wide company supporting clients with acquired and/or spinal cord injuries. Her journey in business and entrepreneurship traces back to her participation in the Junior Achievement (JA) program in London from 1986 to 1989. Dana studied accounting at Lambton College, worked in finance for 15 years, and eventually transitioned to her current leadership role at Wright Rehab.
Her JA Experience
Enthusiastically joining JA during a presentation in her grade 11 accounting class, Dana’s three-year experience in the Company Program was transformative. She not only gained valuable business skills but also developed leadership, communication, and technical abilities. The products her JA team created – a book holder, cotton roll-up organizer, and a memo cork board – reflect the practical, hands-on nature of the program. Dana’s retention of the memo board highlights the lasting impact of her JA journey.
Advice to Students
Dana’s advice to current high school students centers on financial literacy. She emphasizes the importance of taking the initiative to learn about finances from various sources, including parents, friends, and business professionals. This advice reflects the practical knowledge Dana gained through JA and suggests a proactive approach to personal and financial education.
Her Impact
Dana attributes her success to the safe space JA provided for her to learn, try, and make mistakes in business. The three years spent in the JA program were formative, rewarding her with provincial and national conferences, as well as a Dale Carnegie scholarship. Dana’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her role at Wright Rehab, where she supports over 40 contractors in creating their own practices in the rehabilitation field. Her commitment to a heart-centered practice and achieving clinical standards showcases the enduring influence of JA in shaping her business philosophy.
Dana’s story underscores the profound and lasting impact that JA can have on individuals, not only equipping them with practical skills but also instilling a mindset of continuous learning and entrepreneurship.
Keith Doan
JA Company Program 1982-1986
About Keith
Keith Doan is an accomplished individual with a rich history in Junior Achievement (JA). He was part of the JA program in Windsor from 1982 to 1986, participating in JA Companies and Summer Enterprises. Keith has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, having created multiple products during his JA experience. His involvement with JA extended beyond his student years, as he served on the JA Dallas Board from 2008 to mid-2023. Currently, Keith holds the position of President and CEO of KRD Risk Management Consulting & Insurance Group LLC.
His JA Experience
Keith’s JA journey involved the manufacturing of four products: a spaghetti measurer, a panda bear shelf, a telephone book cover, and a back scratcher. His active participation in JA extended to attending two EPJACS and one CANJAC. Notably, he achieved recognition in the JA Celanese 1986 public speaking and essay contest for Ontario, securing the 2nd position. Keith’s connection with JA continued over the years, seeking advice from the late Paul Almond, which significantly influenced his career choices. Winning the JA Bursary in 1986 and several other awards underscored the impact JA had on Keith’s early career.
Advice to Students
Keith’s advice to high school students emphasizes passion, skill diversification, and gratitude for each day. Encouraging students to be passionate and skilled in multiple disciplines aligns with their own journey in JA and beyond. This advice reflects a holistic approach to personal and professional development.
His Impact
Keith attribute all of his success to his JA experience, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping his career path. His involvment with JA Dallas, both as a former participant and a board member, showcases a commitment to giving back and contributing to the program’s growth. The JA Dallas YouTube video from 2016 likely provides further insights into Keith’s journey and the profound impact of JA on his life.
Keith’s story serves as an inspiring example of the long-lasting influence of JA experiences on individuals, demonstrating how early exposure to entrepreneurship and business principles can shape a successful and fulfilling career.
Laura Gurr
JA Company Program 1998-2002
About Laura
Laura is an accomplished individual with a strong background in law, holding the position of Managing Partner at Cohen Highley LLP. She pursued her education at Queen’s University, obtaining a BA (Hons) and J.D. This solid academic foundation likely contributed to her success. Now, let’s delve into her Junior Achievement (JA) experience.
Her JA Experience
Laura’s participation in the JA Company Program between 1998-2002 in Strathroy left a lasting impact on her. She gained practical exposure to marketing, human resources, and business development, laying the groundwork for her future career. The lessons of maximizing resources, valuing individuals, and adapting plans to real-world conditions have stayed with her. Her company’s success and acknowledgment, potentially winning Company of the Year, showcase the practical application of JA principles.
The highlight of Laura’s JA journey was her attendance at the Canadian National Junior Achievement Conference in Calgary in 2001. This experience, combined with her commitment to the program, likely played a crucial role in shaping her perspectives on business and leadership.
Advice to Students
Laura’s advice to high school students is valuable and echoes the essence of JA’s mission. She emphasizes the importance of involvement, curiosity, and seizing opportunities. Her own experiences demonstrate that saying yes to chances, being genuinely curious, and learning from both successes and failures can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths.
Her Impact
Laura attributes her success to her early exposure to business concepts and their practical application in JA. The principles she learned continue to be relevant in her role as a Managing Partner. Highlighting the long-term impact JA can have on individuals, providing them with a head start in their careers. Laura’s story is a testament to the enduring influence of JA’s experiences on professional development and success.
Ryanna Luo
JA Company Program 2018-2022
About Ryanna
Ryanna embarked on her Junior Achievement (JA) journey in her first year of high school, influenced by her family members’ participation in the program, particularly her sister and cousin. She recounted her early experiences with JA, watching her family prototype products and overcome entrepreneurial challenges, which ignited her curiosity.
Her JA Experience
Over four years at JA, Ryanna was deeply involved in various aspects of the program, including holding senior positions in the JA companies she formed, such as VP of Marketing and President. Her journey was marked by unique challenges and successes, with her third year being conducted entirely virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, she adapted to the new circumstances, emphasizing leadership with compassion and a focus on her team’s well-being. In her final year, she shifted her focus from numbers to people. She achieved remarkable success in terms of competition results and team relationships. Throughout her JA experience, she learned essential skills like innovation, communication, and motivation, with a strong belief in the importance of caring for one’s team.
Advice to Students
Ryanna’s advice to students based on her JA experience centers on the idea that true leadership is about genuinely caring for and wanting the best for one’s team. She stressed the value of people as a company’s greatest asset. Her approach, which emphasized building strong relationships and prioritizing her team’s well-being, proved more valuable than sales or competition success.
Her Impact
Ryanna’s impact through her JA journey is evident in her accomplishments, including winning first place at the Dragons Lair pitch competition, receiving the President of the Year award, and forming lasting relationships and memories. She shared her insights at the London and District Business Hall of Fame Gala, where she emphasized the invaluable lessons she gained at JA. Her experience continues to influence her academic and career pursuits, as she is studying computer science with aspirations to complete a double degree at the Ivey Business School. The lessons she learned in leadership and the importance of people as assets will remain with her throughout her life.
Sheila Ficca
JA Company Program 1983-1984
About Sheila
Sheila Ficca, a former participant in the Junior Achievement (JA) program, was involved in JA in Windsor, Ontario, during the years 1983-84. She pursued her post-secondary education at Fanshawe College, initially enrolling in Advertising Art but later switching to the Executive Administrative Assistant program. Sheila currently holds the position of HR Manager.
Her JA Experience
Sheila’s Junior Achievement experience did not involve a specific program. Still, she learned a lot about business, gained confidence, and found the motivation to pave her own path. Although she didn’t become an entrepreneur, she attributes her success to the knowledge and skills she acquired during her JA participation.
Advice to Students
Sheila’s advice to high school students is to embrace mistakes as valuable learning experiences. She encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, emphasizing that the more uncomfortable it feels, the more they learn about themselves. Sheila also advises students not to be afraid of taking risks, as the pace of their success often depends on their willingness to accept risks.
Brad Geddes
JA Company Program 1972-1976
About Brad
Brad, the President & CEO of ZucoraHome, has a long-standing involvement with Junior Achievement (JA) London and District, now JA South Western Ontario (JASWO), spanning more than a decade. He served in various roles on the Board of Directors, including Chair and Past Chair. He was honored as a Director Emeritus, a special category recognizing his significant contributions to the organization.
His JA Experience
Brad’s initial connection with JA dates back to 1972-1976 when he was a student in the Company Program in Brantford, Ontario. His JA experience ignited his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to establish multiple businesses in technology, systems integration, publishing, and insurance despite not having a formal post-secondary education.
Advice to Students
Aspiring high school entrepreneurs should study finance and law as a foundational base for business success and to develop a voracious reading habit, which has proven to be invaluable for him achieving success.
His Impact
Brad has provided invaluable leadership, ensuring financial sustainability and offering guidance to the charter. Brad’s mentorship extended to JA London and the District’s previous and current Presidents & CEOs, Bev Robinson and Karen Gallant, and he has been a member of the JA Worldwide Global Council since 2017. He remains passionate about JA’s role in inspiring students. He is leading a special project to help JA students become global citizens, emphasizing the lasting impact JA has both locally and globally.
