Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain (JA) is proud to recognize Justin Whited as the 2026 JA Volunteer of the Year, honoring his years of dedication to helping students discover their potential, build confidence, and take ownership of their futures.
For Justin, his connection to JA began long before he ever stepped into a classroom as a volunteer. Growing up in Indiana, he participated in JA as a student and recalls struggling through a lesson on basic finance and checkbook management when a volunteer took extra time to help him understand the material. At the time, he did not realize she was a volunteer. Now looking back, he credits that moment as a catalyst for his lifelong interest in leadership and organizational development.
“I remember her taking a second to get on my level. She stooped down next to me, and she sat there for probably five or ten minutes,” reflected Justin. “That was the spark; somebody taking the time to help me understand something. I’ve done a lot with what that moment gave me.”
Years later, after building a career in business, Justin found himself searching for a deeper sense of purpose. Following a difficult day at work, he noticed a JA office across the street from where he was parked. That moment created a realization and ultimately led him back to the organization that had influenced him as a young student.
Since becoming a JA volunteer, Justin has focused on helping students understand their unique strengths. He believes one of the most important lessons young people can learn is to believe in their own abilities.
“The way we succeed in anything that we do is by figuring out the value we bring to the table and having the confidence to seek that out.”
Justin regularly shares his own career journey with students, emphasizing that success is rarely a straight line. He hopes that by being honest about his experiences, students will feel encouraged to pursue their goals while embracing the challenges they encounter along the way. He is passionate about JA because he sees firsthand how the organization helps students envision their futures and recognize their own potential.
“I believe in the mission of helping people find what brings their success and identify that level of confidence in who they are,” said Justin. “JA works really hard to show students that it’s their future, and they are in ownership of how it turns out.”
While Justin has devoted countless hours to serving students, he is quick to point out that volunteering has given just as much back to him. Through JA, he has built meaningful relationships, developed new opportunities, and strengthened his confidence as a leader and a mentor. Most importantly, volunteering brings him genuine fulfillment.
“JA has been a significant part of my progress and success,” said Justin. “My heart fills with gratitude when I get the opportunity to share my journey in the hopes that it makes someone else’s easier.”
That sense of purpose continues to motivate his involvement and inspires him to return to classrooms whenever possible. When asked what he would tell someone considering becoming involved with JA, Justin’s answer is simple.
“Every single person, no matter how much you think your journey has weaved, you have a message without a doubt. And it’s really important that you share that message and help future generations.”
Justin’s story demonstrates the profound impact that one caring volunteer can have. A brief interaction in a classroom years ago helped shape his future, and today he is paying that gift forward by inspiring the next generation to discover their strengths and build opportunity-filled futures for themselves.
