As a high schooler, I participated in the JA Stock Market Challenge and JA’s summer programming. These experiences were transformative, teaching me essential skills in teamwork, presentation, and professional communication while igniting my passion for entrepreneurship. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do career-wise at the time, and these programs were invaluable, giving me exposure to the business world and an interest in it.

After earning my computer science degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, I joined founding teams at early-stage software companies. The skills I developed through JA proved invaluable at every step. Whether brainstorming solutions, pitching to potential customers, or building rapport with new team members, I consistently drew on lessons learned during those formative JA experiences. Those programs gave me practical skills I still use every day.