What an inspirational day in celebration of elevating JA’s innovative education and discussing the importance of breaking down the barriers for women is underrepresented careers.

Not only was the event a success with all of our attendees for the compelling content, mentoring session, and delicious food but we raised close to $100,000 which will propel the mission of JA in to the 24-25 school year!

This full circle event also includes the opportunity for adult attendees from the business community to mentor students through a JA activity. This year, in partnership with Experian, we had students work on the 5-3-1 goal setting challenge that also served as the kick-off to a $15,000 or $5,000 scholarship opportunity. We had 60 students join from Anderson, Travis, Weiss, and Navarro High Schools.

About: JA F.E.M. Forum (Financial Equity Mission) is JA of Central Texas’s educational fundraising lunch event to celebrate and empower women of all ages which includes:

Connecting local business professionals and outstanding high school students for an interactive activity.

Meaningful table conversations
Compelling JA student speakers
Panel discussion
Networking

Each year we focus on different topics around financial gender inequities. Past years have included knowing your value and how to monetize it, growing wealth and long term planning, entrepreneurial equity, and ramifications of bias. This year, we explored careers and educational paths where women are underrepresented and celebrated the resilience and the paths created by women, like the ones on our panel, to help future generations of young women know there is a way forward for them in STEM careers.

Cheers to our fearless committee- Lisa Kottler, Tamra Jones, Anna Horndahl, Julia Knable, and Melissa Thomas for a your commitment to JA and helping to pave the way for more equitable spaces in education and in the career world.

Shoutout to our talented and thoughtful emcees Allison Miler and JC Estrada from CBS Austin morning news that volunteered their time and talents!

Much gratitude to our accomplished panelist of brave women that are paving the way for the next generation. Monica Muñoz Andry, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO, Donna Carter, FAIA, NOMA, NCARB- Architect and Founder of Carter Design Associates, Sinyale Woods, Principal at Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. | PE, MBA, and Christina Corona, Head of Operational Excellence / Chief of Staff Global Operations for National Instruments