Youth Advisors

What is your connection to JA? Your JA story?
I first became involved with JA when I joined the JA Company Program in grade 12. Through this program, I grew interested in business and entrepreneurship and developed a strong relationship with my local JA charter, JABC. This experience led me to emcee the JABC Leadership Breakfast, moderate JA’s World of Choices program, mentor Company Program students, create and host JABC’s first Summer Start-Up Camp, and intern with JABC. Currently, I am involved with JA Canada as a youth advisor and have been featured in the Globe and Mail and the Success Skills Seminar.

What are you doing now?
I am a third-year student at UBC studying a BA in political science. Also, I am pursuing a diploma in marketing and public relations at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Sriya

What is your connection to JA? Your JA story?

Hi! I am Sriya, a Commerce student at Queen’s University, interested in creating a sustainable impact on communities through technology and education. After joining JA Company Program in grade 11, my unique experience helped me start my entrepreneurial journey by co-founding a youth organization and solidified my choice to study business after high school. As a Youth Advisor, I hope to help shape JA initiatives to create the next generation of youth leaders and connect with the Canadian entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Mikaila

What is your connection to JA? Your JA story?

I started my JA journey in grade 11 when I joined the Company Program and was elected marketing executive by my peers. Being a part of this program sparked my love for JA and led me to complete two years in Company Program, where I also served as a brand ambassador for JA Central Ontario. During my second year in the program I was nominated for the Marketer of the Year award and had the opportunity to go to the 2019 Success Summit held in Calgary, Alberta, where my team won the case competition. All of these experiences and more lead to me wanting to continue working with JA as an alumni and support the program in any way I could. As a result I became a volunteer for JA Ottawa and started running “economics for success” workshops in classrooms and later became a mentor for JA Ottawa's Company Program.

What are you doing now?

I am now about to graduate from the University of Ottawa with a bachelors in communications, with plans to complete a Master's Thesis program. I currently work for the Department of Defense as a communications officer and actively volunteer with JA Ottawa. 

Leena

What is your connection to JA? Your JA story?

Throughout my youth, I found great inspiration in the programs JA Canada was delivering, which aimed to equip our generation with essential skills we could take with us in both our professional and personal endeavours. As a result, I was passionate about creating a lasting impact and contributing my own perspective to the JA team, leading me to join their youth advisory board. It is an immense privilege to have the opportunity to be a voice for JA students, and inspire them to forge their own paths as they enter adulthood. 

What are you doing now?

I'm excited to share that I'll be attending Western University in the fall for the Management and Organizational Studies program, with an advanced entry opportunity to the Richard Ivey School of Business. 

Megan

What is your connection to JA? Your JA story?

I first began my journey with JA back in grade 10 when I participated in the JA In-Class Company Program at my high-school. I learned so much about business, entrepreneurship, determination, and other skills that would carry me forward in my career. More importantly, I loved the purpose JA was achieving in teaching financial literacy and business skills to young people. I began working with JA in my community by attending networking events and securing funding opportunities. I even went so far as to Vienna, Austria to attend a global JA conference, representing JA Canada!

What are you doing now?

Currently, I’m completing my undergraduate degree at Western University through the Honours Business Administration Program with the Ivey Business School. Though currently based in London, I will be moving to Toronto upon graduation to begin working with PricewaterhouseCoopers!

Rachel

What is your connection to JA? Your JA story?

I joined JA PEI, in 2017 as a part of the afterschool JA Company Program, where JA taught me about teamwork and innovation. I was given the opportunity to expand these skills at the Next Generation Leaders Forum (NGL) in 2018 and at the Youth Success Summit in 2019. These conferences introduced me to JA Canada, JA Worldwide, and a wide network of entrepreneurial minded individuals. I remain in the JA community after high school and into university through the Youth Advisory Committee.  

What are you doing now?

I am currently in my final year at the University of Waterloo studying Arts and Business, with a major in English and a minor in Visual Cultures. 

Risa

What is your connection to JA? Your JA story?

I was part of JA in Saskatchewan in my Entrepreneurship 30 class (Grade 12). I was a Co-President for the student-created company Bubble Up that ran during a semester of the 2021 school year and was able to reach into my community for support and sponsors in order to create a successful business selling soap! JA allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and have a taste of what entrepreneurship really is. I still have my T-shirt for the company, and was able to earn awards and grow connections that I still have today!

What are you doing now?

I am now studying Education (Major English, Minor Business) at the University of Alberta so that hopefully one day I can give students the opportunity of JA in their classrooms to experience entrepreneurship for themselves.

Maya

What is your connection to JA? Your JA story?

I decided to join the JA Company Program as an option class in Grade 9 to be with my friends, little did I know it would change my life. That year, I attended the 2019 Youth Success Summit and met stellar JA students from all across the world. After my first year of JA, I was part of three other Company Program teams and had incredible success and experiences from each including JA Americas Company of the Year, seeing ROI's grow over 1700%, and presenting at multiple Alberta Business Hall of Fame events.

What are you doing now?

Participating in JA influenced me to pursue a business career and continue my entrepreneurial journey. Currently, I am going into my second year at the University of Alberta, Alberta School of Business. Outside of class, I co-own a business, work part time for JA Northern Alberta & NWT on the development team, and work part-time for the Edmonton Downtown Business Association as the Projects Coordinator!

Kenjamin

What is your connection to JA? Your JA story?

My journey with JABC began in 2021 back when I was in grade 10. Alongside 12 other talented students, we launched our first business, DripBop Technologies. Despite challenges like sourcing materials, we learned to run effective marketing campaigns, in-person sales, and team-building events. This success ignited my passion for entrepreneurship, leading me to join another JA Company Program in 2022 with Penderfund, where I served as VP of Sales for our new start-up: Lumen. By grade 12, I was honoured to be named one of the five Junior Entrepreneurs in BC and interviewed at the Business Laureates BC Hall of Fame Gala. I also won first place in Discover Your Pitch 2023, later returning as MC during my first year of university. For me, JA is more than just programs—it's my family. I’m deeply grateful for the support from JA and my mentors, and I’m excited for the years ahead as part of the youth advisory team! 

Jenna

What is your connection to JA? Your JA story?

I was introduced to the JA Company program in my second year of high school through my business teacher. At the time, I had never heard of JA, but I saw it as an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and explore my passion for business and entrepreneurship, a field I’ve always considered for my future career. Joining the JA Company Program proved to be an invaluable experience, as it provided me with extensive learning experiences. In my first year, I had the privilege of being President of my JA company, gaining first hand experience in every aspect of running a business. Through this role, I developed strong leadership and teamwork skills, and the program opened many doors for me, including networking opportunities, awards, and a deeper understanding of the world of business.

What are you doing now?

I am currently in my third year of high school with my own small business, and I am hoping to pursue a post secondary education in healthcare. 

Keira

What is your connection to JA? Your JA story?

I joined the JA Company program in grade 10, eager to explore my passion for business and entrepreneurship. By grade 11, I was the President of my JA Company, which allowed me to gain invaluable experience in running a business. My dedication and hard work paid off, as I was recognized as Salesperson of the Year for two consecutive years. This journey has not only deepened my understanding of the business world but has also opened doors to incredible opportunities, including attending the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. I am very excited to continue pursuing my passion for business and making a positive impact through the JA community.

What are you doing now?

I am currently in my senior year of high school and am furthering my business studies at Western University through the WISE Program. Additionally, I run a swim school alongside my sister, and I am hoping to pursue a post secondary education in business. 

Elyshia

What is your connection to JA? Your JA story?

I discovered my passion for business by joining JA programs in high school. I began my JA journey in Grade 10, participating in the AWS STEAM for the Future Bootcamp. From there, I became more involved in JA by participating in the International Trade Challenge and working as the Finance Staff for JA Indonesia (Prestasi Junior Indonesia) Alumni. However, my most remarkable experience was being the Vice President of Finance for the student company Kolibrates, which created spoons from coffee ground waste. This experience enhanced my entrepreneurship and collaboration skills as I learned to run an ecopreneur business. All of this led me to discover the amazing JA community. As a JA Youth Advisor, I hope to create opportunities for incredible JA experiences and have a positive impact on the JA community!

What are you doing now?

I am in my first year studying in the Co-op Management and Information Technology program at the University of Toronto where I am exploring my passion for finance and technology. Outside of my studies, I love to travel and explore new places.

Ryan

What is your connection to JA? Your JA story?

I first became involved with JA through the JA Company Program in Grade 11. This program gave me the opportunity to explore the world of entrepreneurship and business in a hands-on environment.  It not only equipped me with the business knowledge but also helped me develop essential life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership. Starting a business with a team was both a significant challenge and an eye-opening experience that pushed me to grow in so many ways.  

My JA involvement also led to an opportunity to win the JABC Oratory and Presentation Skills Award which gave me the honour of speaking at the BC Business Laureates Hall of Fame Gala in June 2024.  Connecting with remarkable business leaders at this event was truly inspiring. 

Hearing their stories and witnessing their dedication to making a positive impact in the community made me realize the importance of not just achieving success but also sharing knowledge and giving back to the community. I’m excited to be a member of the JA Canada Youth Advisory Council, and look forward to collaborating with other members to help inspire and empower the next generation of youth in our community. 

What are you doing now?

I’m a Grade 12 student at University Hill Secondary, with plans to pursue a degree in engineering in post-secondary. I hope to integrate my passion for business into my future career as an engineer.