In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Michelle Jackson, President and CEO of Junior Achievement (JA) of Southern Nevada, shares her inspiring journey and the transformative work she leads through JA programs. From moving around the U.S. during her early years to her current leadership role, Michelle reflects on her background in nonprofits and passion for youth development. She explains how JA’s mission centers on equipping young people with skills in financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship, helping them confidently shape their futures.
Michelle elaborates on the vision and impact of the new JA Inspiration Center, a game-changing initiative for Southern Nevada. This innovative center offers programs like JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, reaching 84% of fifth graders and thousands of high school students annually. The Inspiration Center, alongside JA’s traditional classroom programs, will impact over 60,000 students each year when operating at total capacity. In BizTown, students manage a miniature city, interacting with real-world companies like PNC Bank, Google, Lexicon Bank, and UNLV. Finance Park offers student budgeting experience, with categories like transportation sponsored by partners such as the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). Michelle highlights that there are still opportunities for businesses to get involved, sponsor spaces, and provide authentic business experiences to students.
Michelle also discusses ways the community can engage with JA, including sponsoring or adopting spaces within BizTown or Finance Park and securing naming rights at the JA Inspiration Center. This versatile facility accommodates up to 400 attendees and is available for events ranging from board meetings to luncheons and conferences. She highlights the JA Inspire Career Expo, held four times a year at UNLV, which brings together 4,000 middle and high school students eager to explore various careers. Businesses can participate for just $99, offering direct access to a motivated student audience. Michelle also shares details about the grand opening of the JA Inspiration Center on October 10, 2024, from 10 AM to 12 PM, an event featuring dignitaries, community leaders, and hundreds of attendees. JA plans to introduce summer programs in 2025, allowing children to experience BizTown and Finance Park during the school break.
Michelle enjoys quality time with her husband and son outside of work, embracing nature through hiking and camping trips in Southern Utah. In the winter, she and her son often go skiing while her husband, who isn’t fond of the cold, stays cozy at home. Michelle also loves attending concerts, especially poolside shows during the summer and cherishes her time at church. Her family leans towards traditional camping rather than glamping, using a basic pop-up camper without the luxuries of running water or a toilet, which allows them to connect with nature fully.
For young adults, Michelle emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and pursuing a career that aligns with one’s passions rather than letting others dictate their path. She encourages taking calculated risks between 18 and 28 when individuals often have fewer long-term commitments and more freedom to explore. She suggests focusing on business and financial studies for those interested in nonprofit leadership. While this path may not lead to extreme wealth, Michelle explains it provides the invaluable fulfillment of positively impacting thousands of lives.
Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada:
JA of Southern Nevada | Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada
JA Inspire Nevada:
JA Inspire Nevada | Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada
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