The Power of Role Models

The Power of Role Models

“I love volunteering with JABC because it gives me the opportunity to pass on pearls of wisdom gained from a lifetime in business. Our youth are our future and it’s important to give them diverse perspectives on what’s possible in our world.”

—JABC Volunteer

Role models play an important part in the education of young people and can positively influence the path of someone’s life. You have likely come across a role model throughout your life who had an effect on your education or career journey.

At JA British Columbia (JABC), a not-for-profit impact organization that prepares youth for success, we know that volunteer role models turn educational experiences from good to great. This is why we work with hundreds of volunteers from communities all over B.C. who are excited to share their education and career journeys in the hope of inspiring young people to set goals and carve their own paths. These volunteer role models

share their real-world experiences while delivering programs in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Through the process, students walk away with skills in communication, collaboration, leadership, problemsolving, and decision making.

Jeremiah Philips, a JA alumnus and fourth-year UBC student, is a local entrepreneur who discovered his passion for business by participating in a JA entrepreneurship program where he received guidance from volunteer mentors from his local community. After walking away with an understanding of how to set up, run, and market his business, he went on to launch a nonprofit called Vision For Life, which aims to create a deep and long-lasting impact by raising awareness of poverty and working one-on-one with marginalized individuals.

“The teamwork and marketing skills I developed at JA helped support the growth of Vision For Life,” says Jeremiah. “JA still acts as a point of support for me to this day. Several

mentors and peers I met during the program are willing to lend a helping hand whenever they can, whether by connecting me with others or providing their own knowledge.”

Sofia Lopez, another JA alumna, now volunteers her time with JABC in the hopes of inspiring young people to consider the various career opportunities available over the next ten years. She hosts the JA World of Choices program, a virtual career exploration program where youth can connect with real industry speakers–volunteers–to learn about their skills, education, and how they landed in their current roles. Through this volunteer opportunity, Sofia builds on her communication skills by speaking to hundreds of high school students.

She likes volunteering with JABC and adds, “The staff at JABC are incredibly supportive, compassionate, and passionate to teach, and it is so refreshing to be able to experience this. The connections and networks

I obtained over my three years have been so impactful that, to this day, I still keep in contact with my JABC family and continue working with them.”

Jeremiah and Sofia are just two of many examples of individuals that believe in the power of role models. When a volunteer delivers one of JA’s impact programs in financial literacy, work readiness,

or entrepreneurship, youth are better able to see their future and have the confidence to achieve their goals.

If you are looking for a unique opportunity to equip students with skills essential to their future success, volunteer with us and inspire a young life. Visit jabc.ca/heroes.

INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION AS A JA VOLUNTEER

Share your business knowledge & career experience with youth.

Visit jabc.ca/heroes