For Larresea Goodman, helping students discover new possibilities starts with meaningful experiences and connections. Before joining Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland, she worked as an educator and saw firsthand how JA programs engaged students by connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences.
Today, Larresea partners with schools across Greater Cleveland to bring JA programs, volunteers, and experiential learning opportunities into classrooms. She helps educators connect students with career exploration, financial literacy, and work readiness experiences that support learning goals.
One of her favorite programs is JA Finance Park®, where students take on the role of working adults and make decisions about budgeting, housing, transportation, and savings. She enjoys watching students make the connection between career choices and financial independence.
Larresea also launched She Leads, a leadership and mentorship program that connects young women with professional role models. Through conversations with local leaders, students build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and explore new career possibilities.
The impact of her work is reflected in feedback from education partners:
"The students genuinely looked forward to their time together. She was patient, kind, and did a wonderful job bringing them back to focus when needed. I truly felt that my students left JA's programming with a stronger foundation and understanding of financial literacy and career readiness."
Interested in bringing JA programs, JA Finance Park®, She Leads, or other career and financial literacy experiences to your students? Larresea is ready to help educators find the right fit for their classrooms and schools.
Connect with Larresea
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