When: April 10, 2026, 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM  

Where: Charles Schwab Event Center, 11800 Schwab Way Austin, TX 78758 

The JA Summit focuses on financial equity, goal setting, and career readiness, highlighting how career pathways shape financial outcomes and long-term economic success.

Experience includes:

  • Inspiring speakers & panel discussion

  • 5-year goal-setting mentorship with high school students

  • Networking with industry professionals

  • Conversations on financial empowerment and career exploration

  • Brunch

The JA 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 success.

Students will also tour the Charles Schwab campus and participate in Career Speed Networking with Schwab professionals and event partners.

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

Itinerary

10:00 AM  Brunch & Networking

10:30 AM     

  • Program Start with Emcee, Brittney Rodriguez

  •    Fireside Chat with Gilbert Zavala & Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette

  •      Junior Achievement Student Speakers

  •      Panel

  •    5-3-1 Goal Setting Challenge Activity- Click here to learn more

12:00 PM     Charles Schwab Tour for Students

12:30 PM   Speed Career Networking Rotations

  1:30 PM      End


Emcee, Moderator, Panelists & Speakers

Click the linked photos below to learn about our panelists and speakers.

Brittney S. Rodriguez Emcee

CEO, Grit + Pearl Public Relations, | COO, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Gilbert Zavala Moderator
Vice President of Education and Talent Development, Opportunity Austin

Raquel Gonzales RN, CST Panelist

Registered Nurse St. David’s Georgetown Hospital

Camilo Nova Panelist

Founder & CEO Axiacore | Board Member, Junior Achievement of Central Texas

Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette Fireside Chat Interviewee

Chief Executive Officer, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy

Jessica "Jessie" Camarillo Panelist

HR Business Partner Acutronic Group

Student Speakers

 

Kelly H., JA Company Program, Akins Early College High School

Carolina M., JA Company Program, Akins Early College High School

 

Thank you, Partners!

Title Sponsors

Investment Sponsors

 

with Support from

 

Questions about JA Summit?

Contact Ira Mercado-Dixon at imercado-dixon@jacentex.org or 512.668.1629