June/July 2025 OneJA Newsletter
Dear colleagues,
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending JA Europe’s marquis annual event, the Gen-E entrepreneurship festival with over 1,000 students, teachers, and JA supporters. While in Athens, Greece, for the event, we also held board meetings for JA Worldwide and JA Europe, bringing the board members together for alignment and strategic planning. It was a week filled with inspiration—from student pitches to deep strategy discussions—and reminded me of how global our movement truly is . . .
Read the rest of Asheesh's letter.
STAFF ACTION ITEMS
CHECK OUT THE ALL-NEW JA LEARNING EXPERIENCES HUB
We’re excited to introduce the JA Learning Experience Hub, a new, dynamic space where JA members can discover, share, and explore powerful learning experiences from across the global network. Access the Learning Experience Hub by using your JA ID If you haven’t created your JA ID, follow this guide to set up your credentials.
The first step in making the hub useful for the entire JA network is to share details of your unique JA learning experiences. By contributing to the hub, you’re helping build a collaborative, growing resource that inspires others and strengthens the impact of JA. Head on over to the hub and start sharing! If you have any questions, reach out to Alison Gottsch-Walton.
SHARE YOUR INPUT: STRATEGIC PLAN TOOLKIT AND ROLLOUT SESSIONS
As we build the 2026–2028 Strategic Plan Toolkit, we’re hosting biweekly update meetings to keep you in the loop and invite your input. These sessions are the best way to stay informed, ask questions, and contribute to how the strategy comes to life. As a first step, share your ideas for the toolkit via a short survey on OneJA, where you'll also find the meeting schedule.
SHARE THE "AI AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETENCY" SURVEY WITH STUDENTS AND ALUMNI
JA Worldwide has launched the AI and Entrepreneurship Competency Survey, designed to assess students’ understanding of AI within entrepreneurial contexts and explore how AI training shapes the confidence and skills of young leaders.
The survey focuses on four key entrepreneurial competencies: self-efficacy, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. It includes demographic and AI usage questions, along with self-assessment Likert items and knowledge-based questions that link back to the same core skills. As an added bonus, your JA location can receive up to US$5,000 in funding for participation. Learn more at jaworldwide.org/ai-training-and-templates.
REGISTER FOR GLC RIO
Have you registered for GLC Rio? We’re bringing together four powerful events in one unforgettable experience: The JA Americas Company of the Year competition, JA Americas Regional Board meeting, and JA Worldwide Board of Governors meeting, all in the heart of vibrant Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Don't delay—spots are limited. Register on the OneJA GLC section.
Also on the OneJA GLC section . . .
Did you earn GLC Virtual badges? Claim yours.
Did you miss GLC Virtual sessions? Watch (or rewatch).
SHOWCASE YOUR TEAM'S IMPACT: APPLY FOR 2025 GLC AWARDS
With a few months still to go before the deadline, now’s the perfect time to reflect on the great work your JA team or colleagues have accomplished this year—and make sure it gets recognized.
The 2025 GLC Awards honor JA locations and leaders who are driving innovation, expanding access, amplifying our brand, and creating measurable impact for young people. Whether your team has led bold tech solutions, strengthened alumni engagement, championed inclusive practices, or grown your reach, there’s an award category that fits.
Check out the full list, including the new AI in the Workplace Award, which celebrates JA offices using artificial intelligence to transform how you work.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE SEPTEMBER JA GLOBAL TOWN HALL
Get ready for the next JA Global Town Hall on September 16 at 9amEDT/3pmCEST/9pmHKT. If you registered for the last JA Global Town Hall (March 2025), you do not need to register for the September session; you should have received a calendar invite from contact@jaworldwide.org. If you didn't register for or attend the March town hall, sign up for the September session. If you missed the March JA Global Town Hall or just want a recap, find all the resources—including links and a recording on that same page.
JOIN THE NEXT COHORT OF JA GO (GLOBAL ORIENTATION)
Are you a staff member with less than two years at JA? It's time to join the next JA Global Orientation cohort in September. You'll learn about our strategy to deliver 100 million learning experiences per year by 2050, our top youth programs, our global history and brand, and innovations around the globe. You'll also develop a global network of new colleagues and deepen your leadership skills.
The next JA GO starts in mid-September, meeting meets for one hour, twice a week, at 8amEDT/2pmCEST/8pmHKT. The cohort is open to 50 JA staff and will have synchronous and asynchronous sessions, all on Zoom. Each JA staffer who completes the requirements will receive a credential and badge for LinkedIn, plus a few surprises. Apply.
GLOBAL NEWS
JA WORLDWIDE RANKED AMONG THE WORLD'S TOP TEN SOCIAL-GOOD ORGANIZATIONS
For the seventh consecutive year, JA Worldwide earned a top‑ten spot in the 2025 ranking by thedotgood. This consistent recognition underscores JA’s global impact, innovation, and governance, driven by our expansive network and nearly 19 million annual learning experiences. Find out more.
JA AND SAP LAUNCH GLOBAL CAREER DISCOVERY INITIATIVE
JA Worldwide and SAP have unveiled a global strategy to empower 85,000+ youth across 30 countries through the new Global Career Discovery Initiative. Combining JA’s proven work‑readiness curriculum with SAP’s global volunteer network, the program delivers career self-assessments, mentor-led sessions, and immersive experiences—with a focus on digital skills, confidence, and real-world readiness. Read more about our partnership, including insight from JA and SAP leaders.
JA WORLDWIDE ANNOUNCES THE 2025–2026 COHORT FOR THE LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Twelve CEOs from across the JA network have been selected for the 2025–26 Leadership Exchange and Development (LEAD) Program, a global leadership-development initiative designed to strengthen collaboration, build new capacities, and deepen peer learning among our most committed leaders. Over the course of the year, participants engage in a curated curriculum, facilitated group sessions, and immersive one-on-one job-shadow exchanges—traveling to a fellow CEO’s location to learn how JA leadership is practiced in a different context. The experience builds trust across borders and inspires bold thinking that benefits not just the leaders, but their teams, boards, and students.
Please join us in congratulating the 2025–26 LEAD Cohort:
JA Africa: Nelo Spies (South Africa), Rachael Mwagale (Uganda)
JA Americas: Bernardo Brugnoli (Argentina), Cesar Asiatico (Dominican Republic)
JA Asia Pacific: Dinu Raheja (India), Sunah Lee (Korea)
JA Europe: Andzelika Rusteikiene (Lithuania), Marta Slovakova (Slovakia)
INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA: Samar Dani (Lebanon), Razan Bashiti (UAE)
Junior Achievement USA: Christy Tribe (Utah/Idaho), Siddhartha Vivek (San Diego)
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS CONVENE FOR INAUGURAL "FUTURE BOUND" EVENT BY JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT USA
Junior Achievement USA brought together high school entrepreneurs from across the U.S. for the inaugural Future Bound event. Participants showcased cutting‑edge projects, business acumen, and leadership, all vying for national recognition and prizes. Explore more about Future Bound.
JA EUROPE AND JA GREECE GATHER YOUTH IN ATHENS FOR GEN-E 2025 FESTIVAL
Athens hosted Gen‑E 2025—Europe’s premier youth entrepreneurship festival—with over 1,000 participants from 50+ nations. Student teams showcased innovative business ideas and competed for top awards, spotlighting the creative and collaborative spirit of Europe’s next generation. Read more about Gen-E 2025.
JA AT GEC2025: YOUTH, DIPLOMACY, AND THE POWER OF SELF-BELIEF
At the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) 2025, JA led a youth‑focused workshop and delivered a keynote on self‑efficacy. The sessions underscored that leadership isn’t defined by title, self‑belief is a transformative force, and youth-driven diplomacy begins with connection. Read more details.
ALUMNI NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES
WATCH THE JULY JA ALUMNI CLUBHOUSE x PMIEF LEARNING HOUR
The JA Alumni Clubhouse is a quarterly virtual gathering that brings together alumni leaders and regional focal points to exchange updates, celebrate progress, and strengthen connections across the JA network.
On July 2, the JA Alumni Clubhouse hosted a quarterly PMIEF Learning Hour, part of our ongoing PMIEF Learning Minute series on Gather. This special session welcomed a PMP-certified trainer to equip alumni with practical project management skills they can apply to community initiatives and professional development. In addition to exploring project management frameworks and free resources available through the PMI Educational Foundation, the session celebrated our top three alumni contributors to PMIEF content on Gather: Federica, Ahmed, and Ikhsan.
The JA Alumni Clubhouse also featured important regional updates: JA Africa alumni focal points Senanu Adiku, and Ellen Ukpi shared their vision for strengthening alumni engagement and unveiled a renewed strategy to build back better with new leadership across the region. JA Asia Pacific’s Regional Director Sheila Ganesan joined with an inspiring video message about what’s ahead in Asia Pacific, including an upcoming alumni leadership recruitment opening in late July. Watch the recording.
CATCH UP ON ALUMNI LEADERS ACADEMY GLOBAL
Alumni Leaders Academy Global is a space where alumni leaders from around the world come together to share insights, celebrate regional strengths, and strengthen connections. Hosted by JA Worldwide’s Alumni Community Manager, Dana Khairallah, these monthly sessions inspire and empower alumni to build thriving communities and lead with purpose.
During the most recent session, we had a double feature on Leading Alumni Voice of the Month from Indonesia and Guam. Under the theme “Building Back Better,” alumni leaders from Africa shared how they’re reimagining leadership and co-creating a stronger future. From challenges to opportunities, this session was about resilience, collaboration, and rising together. We wrapped up with updates from the global alumni community and breakout rooms to connect, share ideas, and explore new opportunities for impact.
Dive into the recap and learn what’s next—including our next stop with JA Europe and more updates from the Leading Alumni Voice series.
JA AFRICA ALUMNI: APPLY NOW FOR THE JA AFRICA REGIONAL ALUMNI BOARD
JA Africa alumni: This is your moment to lead. We’re thrilled to announce that applications are open for the first-ever JA Africa Regional Alumni Board (RAB). If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a high-impact leadership role, building something that lasts, and connecting with inspiring changemakers across Africa and the world, this is your chance.
As a volunteer board member, you’ll:
Represent over two million JA alumni across sub-Saharan Africa.
Lead projects that empower your community
Join global gatherings with scholarships and travel support.
Grow the Alumni Leaders Academy in Africa and join the Alumni Leaders Academy Global.
Get recognized with certificates and recommendations to fuel your future.
Applications are open until July 27. Learn more and apply.
REGIONAL UPDATES
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT USA
Is a four-year degree necessary? For a number of fields, the answer is no. However, the rising skills economy also depends on job candidates with measurable competencies to fill vacancies. Junior Achievement USA's thought leadership piece, "The Skills Economy: Careers Without College," explores the changing employment landscape and how Junior Achievement is preparing young people to succeed in it.
JA AFRICA
What does it look like when purpose-driven collaboration stands the test of time? The Citi Foundation and JA Africa have spent 30 years answering that question. From launching thousands of student-run businesses to pioneering digital entrepreneurship education, this partnership has empowered over 58,000 young people across Africa with skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive. It has built futures, shaped ecosystems, and inspired a generation of changemakers. Watch a powerful new video that captures the essence of this journey, from the early days of classroom entrepreneurship to today’s continent-wide movement.
JA AMERICAS
NAUFest, JA Americas’ biggest regional initiative, returns for its fourth edition with a bold ambition: reaching over 800,000 virtual educational experiences and more than 20,000 young people through on-site events in 13 countries.
NAUFest blends virtual and physical components in a flexible format that includes face-to-face events, IdeaToBusiness Challenge, NAULive, and Matching Talent, along with two new digital layers to boost engagement and scale. The program centers on five key themes: the future of work, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and personal purpose.
In-person events will take place in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Key global partners support NAUFest, including Johnson & Johnson, PMIEF, and SAP, which continues to position itself as the largest youth education experience in the region. “Through NAUFest, we equip youth in Latin America with real-world project management skills that boost employability, entrepreneurship, and leadership, said Tim Swain, Social Impact Programs Relationships Specialist II, PMIEF. "This partnership helps bridge the talent gap and empowers the next generation to lead meaningful change.” More at www.naufest.com.
JA EUROPE
Sophia Nikolova, founder of BioBliss from Bulgaria, is the winner of the Youth Entrepreneurship Award 2025, co-hosted by AmCham EU and JA Europe. A high school student with a big vision, Sophia is transforming bio-waste into eco-friendly, high-performance button-cell batteries, replacing harmful materials like lithium and cobalt with hard carbon from organic waste.
The AmCham EU YEA 2025 finalists, Sophia Plamenova Nikolova of BioBliss, María Martínez Gómez of TecH2Ocean, and Eliise Lehtsaar of Voon, each demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurship and social impact. Their ventures span cleantech, water reuse, and sustainable construction, showcasing the breadth and power of youth-led innovation in Europe. Find out more.
JA Europe is also proud to announce the winners of The Entrepreneurial School Awards (TES Awards) 2025. These outstanding schools are being recognized for their remarkable commitment to entrepreneurship education at primary, secondary, and vocational levels, inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders across Europe. The awards are supported by FedEx, a long-time partner of JA Europe.
Read about the ten winners.
INJAZ AL-ARAB/JA MENA
University students across MENA joined the virtual internship program launched by INJAZ and the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF). Targeting youth ages 18–25, the program was designed to equip young people with essential project-management skills and tools through interactive sessions led by industry experts from five key sectors. This initiative reached nearly 5,000 students across MENA, offering not only valuable knowledge, but also tangible opportunities for advancement. As part of the program, PMIEF awarded 22 standout students from 13 countries a complimentary CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) course, in recognition of their outstanding performance in a regional business challenge. These students delivered innovative, real-world solutions across industries like Finance, Construction, IT, Energy, and more. In addition to the CAMP scholarships, broader scholarship opportunities were made available to support students in advancing their careers and applying their skills with confidence and purpose.
JA ASIA PACIFIC
Next month, JA Asia Pacific and JA Singapore host the 2025 FedEx / JA International Trade Challenge (ITC), an annual event that nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit and business skills of youth. During the event, students work to create international market entry strategy plans for a given product and target market.
Each year, more than 2,700 aspiring young entrepreneurs participate in local ITC workshops across ten markets over a period of eight months to create market entry strategies for a variety of products and services for their respective ITC local challenges. Since its debut in 2007, the ITC has developed 45,000 young entrepreneurs in the Asia Pacific region.