HAPPY VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK!
April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week, and there is no better time to pause and recognize the selfless contributions of our extraordinary JA Volunteers who inspire and motivate us every day.
Throughout the week, we’ll be featuring JA Volunteers who go above and beyond to connect students with the learning experiences they need for an inspired and successful future.
Read JA Volunteer Jody Mitchell’s Q&A with JA below!
Jody Mitchell, Professional Development & Entrepreneurship Coach, NSBE FIRE
JA: How have you volunteered with JA and what compelled you to do so?
Jody: I am a professional development & entrepreneurship coach for the Future Innovative Rising Engineers (FIRE) National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and this 2019 – 2020 year was my 1st year volunteering for JA’s entrepreneurship program. Last summer, Milton Davis, FIRE NSBE Director, contacted me about partnering with JA’s entrepreneurship program. I immediately felt like it would be a great opportunity for our students because of the exposure and experience that the JA entrepreneurship program could provide.
JA: What is the biggest personal benefit you receive as a JA volunteer?
Jody: My biggest personal benefits are seeing the overall confidence level of the students grow and learning from them as they work through technical and business challenges.
Additionally, working with an excellent group of coaches who motivated and challenged the students, as well as imparted their knowledge. A huge thank you goes to Branndon Jackson, Brittany Jones, Cassandra Smith, Chris Stephens, Gayle Robinson, Karena Brown, Milton Davis, Sally Miller, Tiara Cobbin, and Ty Smith!
JA: What is your favorite JA memory?
Jody: I really enjoyed the JA Quick Pitch event. It was very exciting to see the students present their business to a large audience and see them field the questions from the Shark Tank judges. It was truly an awesome experience!
JA: What do you wish more people knew about JA or what would you tell someone that is thinking about volunteering with JA?
Jody: I believe providing secondary school students with experience in starting and running a business will significantly impact their confidence and accelerate their success in life, equipping them with the “know how” to meet the challenges of the future. I would like volunteers to know that JA’s entrepreneurial program provides them with the opportunity to impart their knowledge and experience on the future leaders of this nation.
JA: What advice would you give to the next generation?
Jody: Continue executing, until you Make it Happen!
Interested in hearing more inspiring stories from our JA Volunteers? Check out more spotlights below.
To learn how you can get involved with or support JA, send us an inquiry.
