And the Winner Is… Central Texas Young Entrepreneurs!

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2025 JA E2: Entrepreneurship & Empowerment Pitch Event such an incredible success! This year’s gathering celebrated innovation, creativity, and the bold ideas of our next generation of leaders and Central Texas students rose to the occasion.

About JA E2

JA E2 is designed to inspire students to discover their potential, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and build confidence in a fun, supportive environment. By connecting students with diverse professionals across our business community, we create a uniquely Austin experience rooted in curiosity, courage, and collaboration.

Now in its seventh year, JA E2 welcomed one of our largest groups of student participants yet—a powerful indicator of the growing entrepreneurial spirit across Central Texas.

A Journey That Began in the Classroom

Students began their entrepreneurial journey back in September through JA Be Entrepreneurial®, where they explored design thinking, idea development, and the entrepreneurial mindset.
After presenting their business concepts on campus, top student teams were invited to pitch at the JA E2: Pitch Event, hosted this year at St. Edward’s University.

Pitch Day Highlights

On event day, 24 student business teams worked with 28 volunteer coaches from the business community to refine their pitches and strengthen their public speaking skills. Thanks to the expanded space at St. Edward’s University, students presented on three stages, with teams grouped into the following categories:

  • Merchandise/Product

  • Service/App

  • Innovation/Social Entrepreneurship

This year’s event proudly welcomed 85 students from seven area high schools:

  • Akins Early College High School

  • Anderson High School

  • Austin High School

  • Crockett Early College High School

  • McCallum High School

  • Northeast Early College High School

  • Weiss High School

Thank You to Our Judges

We are deeply grateful to our distinguished panel of judges for lending their expertise and support:

  • Lisa Kottler, KWP Partners

  • Alex Khassa, Blackbox Inc.

  • Charlie Chadderdon, PNC Bank

  • Eric Hale, Austin Chamber of Commerce

  • Julianne Strippoli, Weaver Capital Advisors

  • Marc Rankin, Adventum Funds

  • Michael Smyth, Dell Technologies

  • Militza Rosendo, Latinas in Tech

Thank You to Our Partners

This event would not be possible without our generous JA E2 partners:
EY, FactSet, H-E-B, and Oracle

Your commitment helps create pathways for students to explore entrepreneurship, build confidence, and envision limitless futures.

Celebrating Our 2025 Top Performers

Merchandise/Product Business

  • Family Finderz – McCallum High School

  • Peaceful Package – Northeast Early College High School

  • Honorable Mention: ShaveSync – Akins Early College High School

Innovation/Social Ideation

  • GenBridge – Akins Early College High School

  • Dominguez Notary & Translation – Northeast Early College High School

  • Honorable Mention: Dance Fitness – Akins Early College High School

Service/App Business

  • Buddy Bus – Austin High School

  • Localite – Austin High School

  • Honorable Mention: Eagle Grab & Go – Akins Early College High School

A Community Effort Worth Celebrating

We extend heartfelt congratulations to all participating students and deep gratitude to the educators and volunteers who guided and encouraged them along the way. Your commitment helps students unlock their creativity, build real-world skills, and develop the confidence to dream big.

Thank you again for supporting Junior Achievement and the young entrepreneurs who will shape the future of Central Texas.

We can’t wait to see what they build next.

Thank You to our JA of Central Texas Partners!