After completing three semesters at the University of Nebraska, I quit school. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, I had less than scholarly grades, and I ran out of money. I began applying for jobs and was hired as a Trans World Airlines flight attendant.

After a year of flying, I didn’t enjoy the work, and I returned to Omaha. I decided to trade the glamour of being a flight attendant for the glamour of working in public relations. I was a “JA kid” in high school, and I reached out to my former JA volunteer, Mr. Peery, an executive with Peter Kiewit. His introduction to an inspiring female advertising and marketing executive …who I immediately decided I wanted to be like… coupled with my JA volunteer’s encouragement are the reasons I returned to college and graduated. I was the first and only person in my family to attend college. I’m not sure that would have happened without JA and Mr. Peery.

When the JA-Rocky Mountain CEO opportunity presented itself, JA was in financial trouble and in danger of closing. I couldn’t fathom that an organization that had such a positive influence on my life would not be around to have that impact on others.

To this day, I always think about how many kids are out there who, like me, just need some inspiration and connection to achieve their dreams. It’s a world of possibility out there, and we can all make a difference. I believe it’s our responsibility to make sure each new generation can see that in themselves.

Robin Wise has served as the President & CEO of JA-Rocky Mountain since 1992.