JA Alumni Spotlight: Kayla Stallard

Shining a light on the impact of JA through the eyes of former students

Author: Tyler Adams
Work Readiness
Published: Thursday, 09 Jan 2025

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Image caption: Kayla Stallard, Vocon's Workplace Strategist

As a senior in high school, Junior Achievement helped Kayla discover what she truly wanted in her career as she took her next steps forward. How else has JA impacted her journey? Let's find out!

Q: When did you experience JA?

Kayla: During my senior year of high school, I participated in a Junior Achievement (JA) program integrated into one of our business classes. Over several weeks, our class operated like a real organization with departments dedicated to product development, marketing, and sales. Leadership roles such as President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer were filled through a class election, requiring speeches and campaigns. I was elected President—which mostly meant calling extra meetings and pretending I knew what I was doing. Our mission was to design and sell water bottles featuring our school logo, offering hands-on experience in teamwork, leadership and business operations. I’ve never felt prouder of a water bottle.

Q: What stuck out to you during your experience? Any key learning moments?

Kayla: What stood out most was the challenge of coordinating all the moving parts of an organization. I quickly learned that clear communication across teams was essential to keep things running smoothly, sparking my appreciation for leadership and the importance of alignment—lessons I carry with me today.

Image caption: Kayla and the Vocon team sharing architecture career pathways with students at JA Inspire

Q: How has JA impacted you as a working professional today?

Kayla: Junior Achievement shaped me in countless ways, giving me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone. I still remember the mix of nerves and excitement as I stood in front of the class, attempting to "lead" our company. That experience not only pushed me to grow but also highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence—learning to connect with others through empathy, understanding, and influence, whether working with a team or engaging with customers. More than anything, JA helped me discover what I truly wanted in my career—to build relationships and make things happen.

Q: Why do you believe JA programming is important to you and our local schools?

Kayla: JA plays a crucial role in schools by promoting workforce readiness and financial literacy—two areas that can feel overwhelming to students due to limited access to resources and guidance. While JA provides valuable knowledge, its greatest gift is the opportunity for students to practice these concepts in a risk-free environment. It allows them to experiment, make mistakes, and try again without the pressure of real-world consequences. This hands-on experience builds confidence and skills that translate directly into their future careers and financial decisions, laying a foundation long before their livelihood is on the line. This deeper level of preparation not only benefits individual students but also strengthens the overall school community, fostering a culture of readiness and ambition.

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?

Kayla: I'm thrilled to continue my involvement with JA, both as a board member and an active volunteer. Having experienced firsthand the lasting impact of these programs, I am passionate about giving back and empowering the next generation. JA has shaped not just my career but also how I view leadership and growth and I’m excited to help others discover the same.