On April 10, 2026, Junior Achievement of Central Texas proudly hosted the JA Summit: Financial Equity & Career Readiness 2026 at the Charles Schwab Event Center in Austin. From 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., students, educators, business leaders, and community partners came together for a powerful and energizing experience focused on financial equity, goal setting, and career readiness.

Thanks to the time, presence, and support of our partners and volunteers, the Summit was impactful, inspiring, and meaningful for everyone involved.

Centering Student Voices and Real‑World Impact

Some of the most powerful moments of the day came from hearing directly from Junior Achievement students and alumni who shared their perspectives, lived experiences, and the transformational impact JA has had on their educational and career journeys. While we know the life‑changing value of JA programs, hearing these stories firsthand reaffirmed our mission and strengthened our resolve to continue expanding opportunities for young people across Central Texas.

We were also honored to hear from Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, CEO of Waterloo Greenway, who reflected on her own Junior Achievement experience and offered inspiring insights on leadership, resilience, and long‑term success. Her story served as a powerful reminder that early exposure to financial literacy and career exploration can shape futures across generations.

Purpose‑Driven Programming for Long‑Term Success

The JA Summit focuses on financial equity, goal setting, and career readiness—highlighting how career pathways influence financial outcomes and long‑term economic success. The Summit connects students with business leaders across diverse industries, equipping them with tools to make informed financial and career decisions and empowering them to chart a path toward long‑term economic mobility.

Throughout the experience, students engaged in inspiring speakers and panel discussions, a 5‑year goal‑setting mentorship activity, conversations around financial empowerment and career exploration, and networking opportunities with industry professionals over brunch.

Students also participated in a tour of the Charles Schwab campus and Career Speed Networking rotations with Schwab professionals and event partners, providing meaningful exposure to real‑world careers and pathways.

Thanks to our generous partners, the event was offered at no cost to students or their schools.

Thoughtful Leadership and Engaging Conversations

We extend our deepest gratitude to our exceptional speakers and leaders who helped bring the Summit to life:

Laine Quinn of Delta Air Lines and David Hibbs of Experian for sharing their career journeys and insights
Brittney S. Rodriguez, CEO of Grit + Pearl Public Relations and COO of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC), for serving as an engaging and dynamic Emcee
Gilbert Zavala, Vice President of Education and Talent Development at Opportunity Austin, for guiding thoughtful dialogue, including a fireside conversation with Dr. Burnette

We are also grateful to our incredible panelists—Camilo Nova, Raquel Gonzales, RN, CST, and Jessica “Jessie” Camarillo—for offering real‑world perspective, encouragement, and actionable advice that resonated strongly with students.

Community and Campus Support

We are sincerely thankful for our Presenting Sponsors, Delta Air Lines and Experian, and our Investment Sponsors, Forbright Bank and H‑E‑B, with valued support from EY and Charles Schwab. Your partnership makes experiences like the JA Summit possible and directly fuels brighter futures for Central Texas students.

Thank you as well to our industry partners who joined us at the Summit, including Waterloo Greenway, AllianceBernstein, SpyCloud, Proceed with Auction, Acutronic Group, Texas Nurses Association, and Millennia Park.

A round of applause goes to our educational partners—Huston‑Tillotson University, Austin Community College, Austin Independent School District, Del Valle ISD Education Foundation, Del Valle Independent School District, and Pflugerville ISD—for standing alongside JA to support students and educators.

The True Stars of the Day

We were honored to welcome students and educators from Akins Early College High School, Austin High School, Northeast Early College High School, Travis Early College High School, and Weiss High School. Their engagement, curiosity, and ambition made them the true stars of the Summit and reminded us why this work matters so deeply.

The JA Summit: Financial Equity & Career Readiness 2026 was a powerful celebration of possibility—where education, industry, and community came together to empower the next generation. Together, we are helping students envision what’s possible and equipping them with the tools to achieve long‑term economic success.

#KeepClimbing #BrighterFutures #Experian #FinancialLiteracy #DeltaProud