Volunteering as a Corporate Benefit

By Carol Urton

Gone are the days of blank checks going to charities from corporations. In today’s world of giving, corporations look to target their philanthropic support in ways that match what their employees are most passionate about.  

An opportunity to volunteer through your workplace or an established Corporate Social Responsibility program has major unseen benefits. Employees who volunteer are happier, make new workplace friendships, learn new skills, feel healthier and in many ways – advance their career.  

In my opinion, as a CSR leader for six years, the mindfulness that comes from volunteering is the most fascinating unseen benefit. When people get to know the organizations they partner with, they begin to understand the needs of their communities. This also brings an awareness of the many additional things they can do to help. When co-workers volunteer together, they build stronger relationships with each other. This is especially important for those with roles that require long hours of solo work and remote workers. 

When leaders get involved, it gives employees an opportunity to get exposure to people in the company they might not otherwise get to interact with.  Employees get involved on a deeper level when they are engaged in an activity in which the playing field is level. It’s important for leaders to set the pace of community involvement and set the example by taking their valuable time to do something for the greater good.

Experian is a proud supporter of Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Texas.  We do this by participating in the amazing programs JA has to promote financial health. In May 2020, we will send 80 volunteers to participate in “JA in a Day” to promote financial literacy among elementary school children.  We are also excited to sponsor the 2020 JA F.E.M Forum. When companies invest in people through volunteering efforts, it allows them to give back to their communities and feel good about doing good. At Experian, we believe sustainability is fundamental to creating a better tomorrow. This means working with integrity, valuing our people, investing in our communities and unlocking the power of data for social innovation.

The component that holds all of this together is the relationships we build with each other, with nonprofits and with the people they serve. Building relationships, using our talents, and investing time and resources for causes that matter to us has the power to change the world.

Carol Urton is a Director, Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability at Experian. Experian is a School Sponsor of the 2020 JA F.E.M. Forum and a longstanding supporter of JA’s mission that “Opportunity is for Everyone.”

Austin companies of all shapes and sizes are encouraging financial literacy and equity dialogue by supporting the JA F.E.M. Forum on Thursday, April 2nd, 2020. JA F.E.M. Forum brings together professional women with female students over breakfast for a morning of networking, mentoring and financial education. It’s the only event of its kind in Austin, the biggest annual fundraiser for JA Central Texas, and is designed for companies and business leaders who believe #FinancialEquityMatters. Learn more about the event and how you can support here.

Junior Achievement fundraiser could bring financial literacy lessons to over 2,000 Austin area students

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

February 4, 2020

For More Information Contact:

Joanne Parker

Junior Achievement of Central Texas 512.826.3551

joanne@jacentex.org

 

Junior Achievement fundraiser could bring financial literacy lessons to over 2,000 Austin area students 

The 2nd annual JA F.E.M. (Financial Equity Matters) Forum brings together Austin business women and female high school students for a morning of important financial literacy lessons, and could be the largest fundraiser of the year for the organization.  

Austin, Texas - 

Junior Achievement of Central Texas is excited to announce their 2nd annual JA F.E.M. Forum upcoming on Thursday, April 2, 2020 from 9:00am – 11:30am at the Charles Schwab Event Center in Austin, Texas. 

It’s the only event of its kind in Austin, bringing together professional women with female high school students for a morning of networking, mentoring and financial education. With the support of experts, participants will learn about various financial strategies women can employ during different life and career stages -- including workforce entry, the family and career-building years to the pre-retirement years and ultimately to the retirement years -- to help build a platform for financial equity and freedom. 

Local businesses and national corporations alike are taking note of the momentum JA of Central Texas is building to both raise critical funds for the community and open up a larger dialogue about women and financial equity.

 Delta Air Lines is the title sponsor for the second year in a row, with Tad Hutcheson, Managing Director of Community Engagement, citing the event’s importance:

“Delta is proud to be the returning title sponsor of JA F.E.M. Forum - we made this decision a second year in a row because the funds raised directly impact the next generation of Austin's leaders by giving young people access to JA's proven programs in financial literacy, entrepreneurship and career readiness. Austin is a city of growth and entrepreneurship, and we're excited to be a part of the momentum.”

Other key sponsors, to date, include: Experian, EY, DLA Piper, Intelligent Logistics, NFP, H-E-B, and Mariner Wealth Advisors.

Junior Achievement’s core belief is that Opportunity is for Everyone. If you want to secure one of the last remaining corporate tables to demonstrate your company’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders, contact Joanne Parker at joanne@jacentex.com.

To learn more, visit http://www.jacentex.org/ja-fem-forum and follow the conversation on social media using #FinancialEquityMatters.

About Junior Achievement of Central Texas

Junior Achievement of Central Texas is a locally-run, 501(c)(3) youth education organization. JACT is part of the JA Worldwide network, the global leader in economic empowerment serving 10 million young people annually in 100 countries. JA inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. JA teaches young people (ages 5-25) entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs. JA's unique approach allows volunteers from the community to deliver our curriculum while sharing their experiences with students. Our programs show students how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace.

Visit www.jacentex.org for more information. To get involved, contact us at programs@jacentex.org.

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Martin Middle School Students Explore Economics & Entrepreneurship

For six weeks, on Thursdays, a group of JA volunteers from all walks of life come to help the students of Martin Middle learn the tools to reach their full potential through JA’s economic and entrepreneurship programs. The volunteers and students are now halfway through this program and the students are really blossoming, they are becoming more curious, confident and are starting to trust their volunteers. Students are starting to offer more ideas and answer more questions while engaging with the content.

Junior Achievement believes that opportunity is for everyone and are dedicated to bringing resources to the schools we serve. Our dedicated volunteers do more than disseminate JA program curriculum- they are mentors cheerleading for the success of their students. We couldn’t do what we do without caring community members stepping up to help expose these students to the possibilities, and helping students turn “I Can’t” into “I Can”.

Thank to our Junior Achievement Mentors at Martin Middle School!

You are creating a better community one student at a time.

Thank you Texas Capital Bank volunteers, Tim Caperton, Doug Mangum, Becky Rewalt, Mike McConnell, Michelle Scott, Chris Wheeler, Greg Kalb, Christina Yoder, Cristina Vera and Liz Pledger!

Thank you to our Oracle volunteers, Elizabeth Kirchner and her crew!

Thank you to our community volunteers, Erik Jones of Enterprise Holdings, Inc., Joseph Ulloa of San Juan Diego Catholic High School, Kendrick Barnett of Austin Code Department!

#OpportunityIsForEveryone

Financial Implications of an Impossible Beauty Standard

By Ali Wittich

There’s no doubt that women have made progress in the workplace: by taking on more leadership roles, opening up career possibilities, rising in representation in STEM fields, and addressing bias. Although we’ve gained professional traction, the statistic remains that women earn on average $0.79 for every dollar a man makes.

As we continue to work towards financial equity, one area women are in complete control is where we spend our money. And yet there’s still an impossible expectation of beauty that is keeping women poorer than men.

Everywhere you look—from photoshop and filters on social media, constantly-changing women’s fashion, and plastic surgery billboards young girls see driving down the road in Austin —there’s an overwhelming pressure to achieve an unattainable beauty standard, and scrutiny when you miss the mark.

Here’s a thought experiment to illustrate: for all the money women spend to maintain their image—fake lashes, hair maintenance, facials, injections, makeup, workplace fashion that changes seasonally, waxes, tanning, manicures, pedicures, plastic surgery—is there a male equivalent that is so costly? Look no further than what men carry in their toiletry bag versus what women have to pack.

While it’s unlikely the beauty industry is going anywhere, let’s recognize the discriminatory double-standard and reframe the conversation around spending behavior.  

The best advice I received about beauty spending was to not think of it as a line-item on my monthly budget, but rather to consider the future value of that money.

For instance, I get a manicure every two weeks. Instead of thinking of this as an $80 per month expense, consider its worth if it had been invested. $80/month (or $960/year) at an average 10% return would mean that my perfectly polished nails could have netted over $16,000 in ten years.

Applying this thinking to all your beauty spends will force you to get clear on which ones actually bring you joy—and are worth the huge loss over the long-term—versus which ones are unnecessary, trendy norms that are keeping you poor.

Ali Wittich leads Marketing Operations at Publicis Sapient. She has been a regular JA classroom volunteer in both Washington, DC and Austin, TX, and is on the committee for the 2020 F.E.M. Forum.

Austin companies of all shapes and sizes are encouraging financial literacy and equity dialogue by supporting the JA F.E.M. Forum on Thursday, April 2nd, 2020. F.E.M. Forum brings together professional women with female students over breakfast for a morning of networking, mentoring and financial education. It’s the only event of its kind in Austin, the biggest annual fundraiser for JA Central Texas, and is designed for companies and business leaders who believe #FinancialEquityMatters. Learn more about the event and how you can support here.

#FinancialEquityMatters #PersonalFinanceForWomen #HerMoney

Crockett High School entrepreneurship students prove innovation is thriving in our young people!

Junior Achievement is at Crockett High School this year working with students in the Entrepreneurship Incubator as they bring their businesses to life. Some students in this program have been working on their business plan for years while others just started this semester. Both groups blew the judges away with their poise, innovation, and delivery. Judges saw companies pitch environmental tires, climate controlled guitar cases, video game controller app for your phone and more… As their final on Friday, December 19th Crockett High School students presented their business pitches to a group of local professionals and JA Alumnus all the way from South Korea!

We are so grateful to have volunteers from People Fund working with this class. They help the students think further about their businesses as we strive to bring them the resources to turn their idea into a lucrative reality.

Thank you to Eric Browne, Joy Hernandez and the folks from People Fund for being pitch judges!

Austin High School Students Impress with their Business Ideas!

Before school let out for winter break, community professionals volunteered to participate in a pitch competition at Austin High School.  JA It's My Business students pitched their business ideas and the volunteers judged the merits of their business plans. Judges heard pitches from two business classes that ranged from fashion apps, to compact folding beds for hospitals. Over two days judges heard pitches from over twelve businesses and dedicated winners in each class. We can truly say that the world is in good hands with this next generation.

Thank you to our JA mentors who spent the last six weeks working with these students to perfect their business ideas and pitches:

Kendrick Lamar from the City of Austin Code Department

Melissa Trepinski of Avanade

Ian Huang of Saint Davids Foundation

Steven Apodaca of PWC

We also want to thank our pitch judges:

Chris Lanshe, Robert Buckwalter, Lindsey Goldsmith, Dennis Drent, Hunter Healy, Wesley Raper, Virginia Kocher, Ashley Espinosa, and Rachelle Oribio!

Click HERE to learn more how you or your workplace can join the JA movement and help bring Opportunity to Everyone.

Charles Schwab and JA partner with Harmony School of Science

"Giving students the tools to make thoughtful financial decisions and fostering a healthy, informed relationship with money and can help them achieve financial security and success as adults." - Stephanie Roberts

Charles Schwab and JA partnered with Harmony School of Science this fall to bring the full scope of Elementary school programs to a new group of students. Schwab volunteers taught the JA financial literacy curriculum, one class a week for five weeks of lessons for over 400 kindergarten to 5th-grade students.

"It is amazing to have experts in the world of finance come and teach financial courses to our students. The Charles Schwab volunteers are so excited and energetic to teach, and that excitement transfers to the students," said Waylon Stengler, school principal.

Students in 3rd-grade class, taught by Schwab volunteer, Conor Brantley, are learning the choices people have with money, recognizing methods of payment, examining the importance of money to a city and its citizens, and describing how entrepreneurial businesses meet the needs and wants of citizens. When asked why he enjoys volunteering teaching JA, he stated his love for being a positive influence on students and moving them to a successful future by teaching them personal finance and economics.

"I grew up in a fairly low-income household, and I could have really used some of the skills that we teach while I was growing up," said Brantley, Digital Product Manager at Charles Schwab. "The knowledge that we pass to these children through the JA lessons would have helped me greatly in some of my struggles, and I am eager to help people avoid some of the pitfalls that come from a lack of financial literacy. "

If you would like more information about bringing JA to your child's school or sponsoring a school near your workplace, contact Suzannah Gravatt, JA Program Manager, for more information at suzannah@jacentex.org.

Ridgeview Middle School Students Pitch their Businesses!

The students at Ridgeview Middle School have been thinking big and working hard this semester in JA It’s My Business culminating in the students pitching their companies to both professional and student JA Alumnus. They presented business that are everything from GPS dog collars, tutoring platforms, more efficient ovens to custom eye glass and more!

Thank you to the student’s teacher, their mentors, and judges for helping to further our cause to bring #OpportunityToEveryone.

A Different Kind of Pie This Year

by Joanne Parker

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I ask myself if a new kind of pie should be on the table in my household: a budgeting pie. 

My son graduates college in May. A couple of weeks ago, he asked me to help him develop a plan so he can be financially independent within 6 months of graduation. Considering that a recent study showed that only 24% of young adults in 2018 were financially independent by age 22 or younger, I’m thrilled he wants to be ahead of the curve. 

Thankfully, I work for the largest global provider of financial literacy education for students kindergarten through 12th grade, Junior Achievement. This means I have access to excellent resources on topics like understanding a credit score, reading a credit card statement, interest rates, saving, and budgeting. But I also asked some friends and colleagues in the financial services field what advice they would give their 22-year-old selves about becoming financially independent. Here’s what they had to say: 

Ellen Ambrose, from Liveoak Technologies says, "Keep your lifestyle the same, even as your income increases through your 20's. That means don't buy a new car, keep the same apartment, don't take expensive trips. Use the extra money to 1) participate in a 401K if your employer offers it and 2) set up automatic deposits into a brokerage account. Tell yourself the accounts are off limits until the future.”

Jenna Mejia, from BBVA says, "I would tell my 22-year-old self to be cautious of how small, unnecessary expenses can really add up! I would tell her to plan ahead, bring leftovers for lunch, and slow down on the frequent coffee shops stops in the morning on the way to work!"

Lisa Kottler, FinTech Evangelist says, “Spend less than you make! Always. Pay cash for everything (except your home). Don’t be tempted to keep up with the Jones’ because it’s possible they went into debt to get that fancy car or expensive vacation.”

Allegra Moet Brantley, from FactoraWealth suggests, “I would open an investment account (in addition to any employer sponsored retirement account available) and set up an automatic deposit of $100 a month from my paycheck hit. I would raise the monthly amount by $100 for every birthday, raise, or promotion I got. Everytime I wanted to get a nicer apartment, car, etc, I would only do it if I could also increase my investment account contribution too (only gifting myself if I could also gift future me!) This would allow me to use my 20’s for investing (which a lot of young people miss out on) and would give me an extra decade for compound interest to work its magic.” 

As we enter the holiday season, are we able to give our loved ones the best gift of all: the gift of financial independence? 

Joanne Parker is a development manager for JA of Central Texas. She is a former sales executive with Abbott Laboratories and is the JA staff lead for JA F.E.M. Forum. Joanne strongly believes that financial literacy education is the foundation to achieving economic equity for all.

Austin companies of all shapes and sizes are encouraging financial literacy and equity dialogue by supporting the JA F.E.M. Forum on Thursday, April 2nd, 2020. F.E.M. Forum brings together professional women with female students over breakfast for a morning of networking, mentoring and financial education. It’s the only event of its kind in Austin, the biggest annual fundraiser for JA Central Texas, and is designed for companies and business leaders who believe #FinancialEquityMatters. Learn more about the event and how you can support here.

#FinancialEquityMatters #PersonalFinanceForWomen #HerMoney

Delta Air Lines Host JA Job Shadow

As a part of their continued support of Junior Achievement Central Texas Delta Air Lines welcomed a group of students from William B. Travis High School to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport for a JA Job Shadow. Throughout the day students learned about the opportunities that exist in their own backyard and as well as the ins and outs of the airport. In addition to learning more about the company students got a look behind the scenes to see how the airport operates.

It was a really cool experience to see the airport and learn how it works. We also learned a lot about Delta, and what it is like to work there. You can start from the bottom and really work your way to the top of the company!

-Marco

Thank you Delta for having JA Students for this JA Job Shadow and showing our kids that opportunity is for everyone!

Why I’m passionate about JA

by Donald Scott II

Band or Home Economics?  When I was headed into sixth grade, all students had to choose an elective for the next three years.  We either signed up for learning an instrument or learning how to be financially responsible.   Over time home economics has been removed from the standard elementary curriculum, but it is now making its way back into schools as financial literacy or entrepreneurship workshops and classes become more common.  Back then, I chose band.  I learned to play the trumpet, how to control my breathing, how to read sheet music.  But what I remember most about choosing band is why I chose band…my mother said she could “teach me how to balance a checkbook at home”.

Donald’s mom Cynthia is a JA Alumnae.

Legacy:  Today, I am on the Board of Junior Achievement of Central Texas.   I believe in entrepreneurship, and I am especially passionate about teaching lessons on financial literacy and how to manage one’s future relationship with money.   When I told my mom that I would be teaching an 8th grade class for 6 weeks as a JA volunteer in Austin, Texas she shared with me that she was in Junior Achievement in middle school.   She said in 7th grade she knew she wanted to be a business owner, and that it was during her JA class where she learned the importance of being financially responsible.  Because of the amazing influence of a JA volunteer in Chicago many years ago, my mother opened a business, became a pillar of the community, and was confident in her ability to teach her children how to balance a checkbook, giving us the freedom to pursue artistic opportunities in school.

Social Responsibility:  Many companies today are using technology to make the world a better place and Junior Achievement’s success at connecting professionals with students enables their corporate relationships to exponentially enhance the experience of the employees and JA volunteers and students.  I am proud to work for and serve two organizations that continue to touch lives around the world and give each of us an opportunity to do the same.

I encourage everyone to look for a Junior Achievement office near you.  If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a note directly and I’d love to share my personal story and passion about supporting Junior Achievement and the lessons of entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Donald Scott II serves on the board of directors for JA Central Texas and is extremely active in the community. He is a passionate evangelist of JA because he believes that it is our responsibility to support our future leaders. You can contact him via LinkedIn

JA Launch Lesson: SkinIsSkin Tackles Discrimination One Lip Balm at a Time

On November 15th students at McCallum High School spent their lunch period learning about the entrepreneurship journey of Sharon Miller. Sharon is the CMO and brand steward for Skin Is Skin. The company’s mission is to tackle discrimination by utilizing its brand as a platform to influence culture. The company aims to create a culture of curiosity in place of fear. The company sells lip balm and donates half of its profit to companies tackling bias in schools and communities. Thank you McCallum High School AVID and College and Career Services for hosting this JA Launch Lesson. If you would like to learn more about our Launch Lessons, read more here.

#dayinthelifeatmac #macAVID #JALaunchLesson #careerspeakerseries

Travis Rebels Pitch their Businesses

Rebel Charms, eGames, Photo booths and more were some of the student companies pitched during today’s pitch competition. Students from William B. Travis High School just wrapped up their JA It’s My Business program where they took a business idea from drawing board to business presentation. This six week course culminates with students pitching their budding businesses to local professionals for feedback. When this group returns to school for the spring semester, these students will launch their businesses, earning real money all while finding and celebrating their personal power through the JA Company Program.

A BIG Thank you to David Gonzales from EY, Elizabeth Kasprowicz & Peggy Pleasant from Austin Energy and recent finance graduate, Eric Browne!

JA E2: Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Lives up to it's Name

Thank you to our Judges!

Alta Alexander- Altatudes

David Gonzales- Ernst and Young

Nicole Montes- H-E-B

Ira Mercado- Dixon- Delta Airlines

Rob Spencer- FactSet

What do you get when you fill a room full of young, aspiring entrepreneurs and a group of mentors that believe in them? Junior Achievement’s E2: Entrepreneurship and Empowerment for young women.

This is the third annual JA E2 event, and each one gets better and better. We are always surprised by the talent and ingenuity that these students have. This year we heard business pitches that ranged from ideas like banking and money on demand, to emergency relief teams and sustainable, up-cycled clothing lines. Prior to Junior Achievement E2 students go through JA It’s My Business where they dream up an idea and take it from the drawing board to pitch presentation with the help of classroom volunteers. On the day of JA E2 those students bring their ideas to work with mentors to help refine the idea and perfect their pitch presentation.

My mind is blown! I know my girls are capable of anything. From day one six weeks ago to today I have seen such a transformation, and I am so impressed with what these girls have done through this program.

-Stephanie Matula, Teacher, Bertha Sadler Means YWLA

This year we had a unique set up when students from Bertha Sadler Means YWLA and LBJ Early College High School attended. Throughout the day all of the girls worked with adult mentors, and the high school students had the opportunity to peer mentor 8th graders who will be on campus next year. After attending JA E2 the Ladies of Distinction from LBJ ECHS will turn their business idea into a reality through the JA Company Program. Today provided a unique opportunity for students to explore their entrepreneurial spirit and see down the road where it will take them.

We could not put on events like E2 without the support of our sponsors. Thank you to FactSet for providing the funding to make JA E2 happen and spending the day with us as mentors and judges.

We also want to thank Accenture for sponsoring the JA It’s My Business program that these girls worked on for 6 weeks prior to this event, and Meet at Relay for providing the space for this event. Thank you to all of our mentors and pitch judges for spending this rainy Friday with us and proving that #OpportunityisforEveryone.

Thank you to our In-Kind donors - Alamo Draft House, H-E-B, P-Terry’s, Highland Lanes, Southside Flying Pizza and Birds Barbershop!

Taylor Vogelsang Becomes the Next President of Junior Achievement of Central Texas

Austin, TX, Release: November 1, 2019. For Immediate Release

The Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Central Texas is pleased to announce the appointment of Taylor Vogelsang as President effective immediately. Vogelsang previously held the position of Director of Programs of Junior Achievement of Central Texas.

“During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead Junior Achievement of Central Texas than Taylor Vogelsang,” said Joe Cestari, Junior Achievement of Central Texas’s Board Chair of the Board of Directors and Vice President of Integrated Engineering Services. “Taylor is a proven leader with management skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together. Her vision for bringing Junior Achievement to more students is exactly what Junior Achievement of Central Texas needs as the organization enters its next chapter of expanding the reach of JA.”

Taylor first joined Junior Achievement in 2013 in Tampa, Florida. During her time there she was the Programs Manager overseeing multiple counties. In 2016 Taylor was named Junior Achievement’s Rising Star, one of three in the nation. In 2017 Taylor accepted the position of Programs Director in the Junior Achievement of Central Texas office. Her role as a leader in the organization blossomed along with her vision of what Junior Achievement looks like in Central Texas.

“We have connected with so many students, schools and community partners but there is more for us to do,” Taylor said. “The opportunity ahead for Junior Achievement of Central Texas is vast, but to seize it, we must focus clearly, move faster and continue to transform. A big part of my job is to accelerate our ability to bring more of our programs to more young people in Central Texas.”

“Having worked with her during this transition, I know that Taylor is the right leader at the right time for Junior Achievement of Central Texas,” said Jen Smith, Vice-Chair of the Junior Achievement of Central Texas Board and Corporate Partner at DLA Piper, “I’ve had the distinct privilege of working with the Junior Achievement of Central Texas staff, and I know their passion and hunger for getting Junior Achievement programs to more young people will only grow stronger under Taylor’s leadership.”

Junior Achievement of Central Texas is a local arm of a global non-profit, Junior Achievement that was Founded in 1919. Junior Achievement is the worldwide leader in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness education that helps young people realize their full potential.

Contact info:

Name: Taylor Vogelsang, President of Junior Achievement of Central Texas

Organization: Junior Achievement of Central Texas

Company URL: www.jacentex.org

Address: 206 E Main St, Round Rock, TX 78664

Phone: 1.512.710.5437

Getting to know Taylor

Where did you go to college? Texas A&M University

Where does your JA story start? My JA story starts at twenty-one. I was fresh out of college and working at Junior Achievement in Tampa. My parents did a great job instilling in me a sense of work ethic and managing my money, but this was the first time I had to balance everything on my own. After my first few months on the job, I took home a worksheet from our 8th grade JA Economics for Success program, sat on my living room floor surrounded by bills and set my first real budget. I may not have been a JA kid, but I am a JA Adult.

What benefits have you seen in the students that you serve? The biggest change I see in our students really is confidence. Yes, they learn about how to build a budget or start a business, but throughout their JA experience, I get to watch students come out of their shell, build self-confidence and really see that they are capable of anything.

What is some advice you would give your high school self? Step out of your comfort zone, you don’t have to know what you are doing, be open to trying new things. If you shy away from things that intimidate you, you will miss out on a lot.

Alta Y. Alexander - JA Alumna & Supporter

Altatudes owner, Alta Y. Alexander, answers a few questions about her store, her journey and shares some sage ‘tude’ advice.

Tell us a little about Altatudes.

Altatudes, located in the heart of historic East Austin near 12th and Chicon, features high-end women’s apparel and accessories from over 25 labels. I have carefully curated my boutique with special items that oftentimes are carried exclusively in Austin at Altatudes.  I also offer a limited selection, up to four of each piece, ensuring customers will be adding something unique to their wardrobe.
Altatudes opened doors in September 2017 and I purposefully selected the East Austin neighborhood.  The revitalization of this cultural corridor was important to me, as I am the first and only African-American who owns an upscale womenswear boutique in Austin.  I hope to continue positively contribute to the community and the East 12th corridor, helping forging an emerging commerce, and helping others to find and embrace their “tude”.

How did you get your idea or concept for the business?

I love to fashion, so that to me was a no brainer!  I have people ask me on a daily basis how I came up with the name.  It’s apparent that ‘Altatudes’ is a play on my name, but it is also a play on the word ‘altitude’.  I want folks to identify with my concept that the name in and of itself, just like to apparel, is exalted!

I’ve had so much of what Altatudes is in my mind since I was a little girl, by the time the opportunity presented, my head was exploding with ideas!  It became a project, just to keep things in some type of order so I wouldn’t get too ahead of myself! I did not note at the time that I would be counted among a very few as a trailblazer and a role model, but I humbly wear these hats and am proud to do so!

Do you think entrepreneurship education is important and why?

Most certainly! Not everyone’s aptitude is accommodative to working for/within the corporate arena or business sector. An entrepreneurship education is critical to those who may have a predilection to opening their own business, providing their own service and/or product.   

What is your history with Junior Achievement?

I am a proud Junior Achievement Alum! Being apart of this program gave me insight and confidence that I would have not otherwise not received had not been in Junior Achievement!

Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?

YES! There’s a part of me that’s always dreamed of having my own business, so when the opportunity arose, I dove right in - head first! Don’t get me wrong, I was apprehensive, but it was a great time in my life to launch and here we are!
How do you handle adversity and doubt?

My first go-to is prayer!  My God is everything and can handle anything, so when doubt rears its ugly head, prayer is my first go-to! My husband has had his businesses for over 35-year, so I bounce tons of issues off him.  He has a tremendous business acumen and he’s a tell-it-like-it-is kinda guy, so I know he’ll keep it ! I am also blessed with a wonderfully insightful “tribe” of dynamic women, and men, who help me move past adverse situations and snuff-out doubt! Even when you’re a sole entrepreneur, you need to have a handful of intelligent individuals you trust and can go to for sound advice - especially in adversity.

What are some of the mistakes you wished you could've avoided? 

Actually, the more life I live, the more I welcome the mistakes I’ve made and make.  Without mistakes, there could be no failure - without failure, there could be no success.  So, my mistakes help me learn in order to be successful!
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

Embrace the ‘fear’!  You will be afraid, you will be scared - push through the fear and when you come out on the other side you will have even more confidence to tackle the next scary task - and trust me, they will come one after the other.  At this point, I’m starting to look at them like blessings!

What is some advice you would give your high school self?

Enjoy the moments!  I was a worry-wart type kid.  I am the oldest in my family, so that might have had something to do with it.  But, it’ll all work out the way it’s supposed to!

What makes a successful entrepreneur?
1. Be concerned about yourself/your business! 
2. The willingness to face your fears and do the work! 
3. Have the understanding and discernment to know that everything is not going to be perfect every time, but it will work out ... and, that’s usually going to be the best thing for you and your business!

How can the Austin entrepreneurship community be more equitable?

Learn how, when and where to collaborate! You’ve heard the adage: “We’re stronger together”!
I am the President-Elect for the East 12th Street Merchants Association and I’m looking forward to our corridor coming together, learning from one another and working towards making our respective business and in turn our corridor better and more successful!

The Scariest Four Letter Word

A finance friend told me a story about a client who was trapped in consumer debt - large credit card balances with high interest rates. It was big, spooky, ‘keep you up at night’ kind of debt. After meeting with her and devising a plan, he received an email. The woman thanked him for his help, and shared that prior to their meeting, the debt was constantly on her mind, and it made her feel lost, helpless, and hopeless.

Debt can be scary. It can accumulate quickly, it can put a strain on a marriage, it can cause your assets to dwindle, or worse yet, impede you from building any assets at all. Consider the following: 

• A credit card balance of $10,000 at an interest rate of 18.99%, adds a whopping $5,575 in interest, if paid down over five years. 

• Carrying debt and having delinquent payments reduces your credit score leaving individuals with limited options when it comes to future borrowing. I know of a person whose options were so limited that when her car finally broke down for good she had to accept an auto loan at a rate of 25% - in a 2% interest rate environment. That $20,000 car is costing her $35,000.

• Not understanding the terms of a loan can lead to nasty surprises down the road. One person I know thought that they had a fixed rate mortgage on their home, only to find out five years later that they actually had an ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage) when the payments suddenly skyrocketed. He found himself in a struggle to keep the house that he thought he could afford. 

There are some fundamental things you can do to protect yourself from these debt surprises: 

1. Build a foundational emergency savings account. Do you have enough set aside to handle the cost of an expensive car repair? Can you cover expenses for a few months if you were to suddenly lose your job? This type of cushion can help you to avoid difficult debt situations in the future. 

2. Examine and understand your total current debt situation. Do you have any resources that can be used to make a dent in that debt now? Are you carrying the best debt right now, or can you make improvements by refinancing to a lower rate, better term or another type of loan? Do your research to avoid paying as much interest as possible and devise a payoff plan that aligns with your overall goals. 

3. Get educated when you do need to leverage debt. Not all debt is bad, but nobody wants a bad debt surprise. Understand what the marketplace is offering, and shop around. More than likely, if even one lender is willing to lend you money, you’ve got options and should consider all of them before signing on the dotted line. 
   

If you find that you need help, talk to someone who knows what they’re doing, or start with an online resource. Debt can be an embarrassing problem but through asking questions, getting informed, and taking action, we can eliminate the heavy burden of debt and live our best financial lives. 

Jullie Strippoli is a VP and Branch Manager at Charles Schwab in Austin, Texas. She is a regular classroom volunteer with JA and serves on the JA F.E.M. Forum Committee because of her strong belief and support of JA’s mission that Opportunity is for Everyone.  

Austin companies of all shapes and sizes are encouraging financial literacy and equity dialogue by supporting the JA F.E.M. Forum on Thursday, April 2nd, 2020. F.E.M. Forum brings together professional women with female students over breakfast for a morning of networking, mentoring and financial education. It’s the only event of its kind in Austin, the biggest annual fundraiser for JA Central Texas, and is designed for companies and business leaders who believe #FinancialEquityMatters. Learn more about the event and how you can support here.

Q&A with JA company- Rebel Charms

Recently we sat down with the students behind Rebel Charms for a Q&A about their new business

How did you get your idea or concept for the business?

We have been working with our volunteer, Stacy, in our Junior Achievement program to come up with a business idea. At first we wanted to try and sell plushes, but the time to get it started would take too long. We kept the general idea in mind and got the idea to start selling charms. This product is something that was easier to produce and we could get started right away.

What is unique about your business?

All of our charms are hand-made and hand-painted. They are unique because you can attach them to almost anything you want.

What have you learned from Junior Achievement?

We have learned how to start and manage a business, plus you have to learn about expenses and more. Junior Achievement is really fun and we hope to continue with this program while we are still at Travis Early College High School and even afterward.

How can we learn more about Rebel Charms?

Follow us on Instagram @thsrebelcharms and visit our website.

The Warriors Accounting Society Continues to Inspire

In their second annual JA College Inspire Day the Texas A&M Central Texas Warriors Accounting Society hosted students from Killeen ISD Career Center. This year all students that participated were a part of the business and accounting CTE classes at the KISD Career Center Campus. Not only did students get a day on the Texas A&M Campus, but they got to spend the day with college students pursuing degrees that they are interested in. Throughout the day the Warriors led students through Financial Literacy and Career Readiness activities that will prepare these high school students for the “real world”. Students explored budgeting, stock portfolios, potential accounting careers, credit scores, networking and interviewing. When the students returned to campus the mentoring continued with a lightning round of mock interviews. Thank you to Texas A&M Central Texas, the Warriors Accounting Society and Killeen ISD Career Center for coming together for this event. Because of you Junior Achievement was able to bring financial literacy education to a new group of students! We look forward to seeing you again next year!

H-E-B Helping Here - Partner Volunteer Summit

Just when you thought H-E-B could not do any more to help our community, they do! As one of our oldest partners, we are so grateful for your continued support of JA and for the greater Austin community. Thank you for inviting us to join the many other amazing organizations to share our mission at the inaugural H-E-B Helping Here Partner Volunteer Summit!