All posts tagged: Andrew Koenig

JA Innovation Accelerates Impact

JA Innovation Accelerates Impact

September 2023 Message from Chair Andrew Koenig and CEO Laurie Sallarulo

“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” ~ Harvey Firestone

 

If you follow us on social media, you know we’re both committed to growing personally and professionally. As Board Chair and CEO of JA, we strongly believe the development of our students and team is essential to the success of our organization. This year, the JA board and leadership team made a commitment in our strategic plan — to deepen our investment in students’ growth.

 

This summer we devoted time and resources to designing and enhancing JA programs that help develop the skills our students need to face future challenges and opportunities. We are excited to be embedding technology like AI and VR into our program simulations that engage and empower students. We also focused on the growth of our team. We kicked off our professional development program in August with the first in a series of workshops to better know ourselves and each other.

 

In the spirit of development, we’re proud to announce the advancement of JA team members Claire Aguilera, Janae Hardy, Rebecca House, Angelina Jadulal and Ayesha Sahadeo.

 

We know we can’t grow without your support and commitment to helping us advance our students, team and mission. As Andrew likes to say, “They need us today and we’ll need them tomorrow.” 

JA Innovation Accelerates Impact
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Junior Achievement Announces New Board Leadership

Junior Achievement Announces New Board Leadership

Andrew Koenig Named Board Chair

City of Coconut Creek, Florida (September 1, 2022) — Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) announces Andrew Koenig, CEO of CITY Furniture, as its new Board Chair to serve a two-year term. Mr. Koenig will continue the momentum built under the leadership of Tim Rubin, Director of Client Services at Kaufman Rossin, who served as Chair for three years.

“I am grateful for Tim’s support and commitment during a challenging time for nonprofits. Under his leadership, the board was dedicated to helping the organization stay financially healthy. Working with the Governance Committee, Tim also brought a focus on diversity, ensuring the board was represented across all groups, demographics, industries and expertise,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “I am excited about the future and to continue our work with Andrew Koenig at the helm. Andrew is a passionate visionary who will bring inspiring leadership to the board.”

CITY Furniture has been a company dedicated to improving the community for many years. Continuing the family tradition started by his uncle, dad and mom, under Andrew’s leadership as CEO, the company has committed to giving back 5% of its annual profits across five pillars: home, health, service, diversity and education. Andrew is personally committed to serving and giving his time to some of the organizations CITY supports, including JA.

“As a father, I understand how important it is for our children to have the skills and experiences they need to be successful adults and as a business leader, I realize the importance of building a future pipeline of employees. I love that through Junior Achievement all children have access to this real-world education that helps prepare them for work and life. They need us today and we will need them tomorrow,” said Andrew Koenig.

CITY Furniture has been involved with Junior Achievement of South Florida since the opening of JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion 14 years ago. CITY Furniture is a JA Finance Park storefront partner, impacting over 20,000 8th graders each year with career exploration and personal finance education. CITY also donates money raised through their “Test Rest” campaign, sponsors JA events and hires JA interns through the Youth Employment program. Their financial support and involvement as volunteers set a great example for other companies.

JA is also pleased to share the appointment of Executive Committee Members Lisa Anderson, Jeni Chokron, Monique Corker, Kathy Foster, David Greenberg, Brenda Horner, Geoffrey Horst, Tom Loffredo, Lois Marino, Joel Mayersohn, Stuart Morris, Monica Navarro, Steve Nudelberg, John Ray III, Tim Rubin, Franki Lupo Schmidt, Greg Thompson and Mark Walter.

JA’s Board of Directors is composed of 70 business, education and community leaders that bring a strong and balanced blend of skills, experiences and perspectives to the organization. “I am proud to lead with such a diverse, forward-thinking, committed group of board members who are passionate advocates for JA’s vision to help train the next generation of business leaders, employees, employers and consumers. Together, we will continue to increase awareness of JA’s work and partner with the Broward County School District to deepen the impact for each student,” said Andrew Koenig.

Learn more about the Board of Directors at JASouthFlorida.org/Board-of-Directors.

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About Junior Achievement of South Florida
Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) empowers our youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy, and lead our community. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered 20+ programs to over 69,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

For More Information, Contact:
Christopher Miller, Senior Marketing and Media Production Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110

Junior Achievement Announces New Board Leadership
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MacKenzie Scott Gives $38.8 Million to Junior Achievement USA

MacKenzie Scott Gives $38.8 Million to Junior Achievement USA

Junior Achievement of South Florida Receives $1.9 Million

City of Coconut Creek, Florida (August 22, 2022) — Through her philanthropic giving, MacKenzie Scott continues to change lives and strengthen nonprofit organizations. She recently donated $38.8 million to Junior Achievement USA, making it the largest single gift in the organization’s 103-year history.

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is one of 26 areas to be selected by Scott, receiving $1.9 million. This generous contribution will help to sustain the critical work of preparing every young person to navigate their future, drive our economy and lead our communities. This gift will serve as a lead gift to JA’s $15 million comprehensive campaign, “Unlock the Potential of Tomorrow”, helping JA secure its community impact well into the future.

“The lack of skilled talent in the pipeline is one of the top concerns of employers today. To successfully compete and sustain our local economy, we must develop talent that is educated and trained to handle the demand of skilled and technical jobs. The only way to ensure a steady pipeline of qualified talent in the future is to develop the mindset and skillset of every child,” said President & CEO Laurie Sallarulo.

Junior Achievement of South Florida’s momentum has been extraordinary – reaching more than 69,000 students a year during the 2021 school year. “It’s not just about the number of students served, it’s about the depth of the impact JA programs have on students,” said Sallarulo. Through the unique partnership with Broward County Public Schools, JA compliments academics with real-world education in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship to ensure that all children are ready and able to succeed in tomorrow’s world. “There is still much work to be done, and this gift will allow us to broaden our reach, deepen our impact and continue to innovate,” Sallarulo added.

Andrew Koenig, JA Board Chair and CEO of CITY Furniture shares, “As a business headquartered in Broward County, we have invested heavily in our future workforce by partnering with JA. This will require an all-hands-on-deck approach, involving schools, parents, businesses, government, funders and philanthropists. This contribution from MacKenzie Scott is a testimony to the importance of our work and the need for us to invest in workforce and financial literacy education. I encourage you to join our mission.”

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About “Unlock the Potential of Tomorrow” Comprehensive Campaign
Junior Achievement of South Florida is committed to unlocking the true potential of every child, regardless of their background and circumstances. This 5-year, $15 million campaign is an opportunity for everyone to ensure every child, today and in the future, can learn to be resourceful, innovative, collaborative and resilient. This will give them a chance to lead a successful and prosperous life and will also secure the future of our community and economy.

“Unlock the Potential of Tomorrow” will help sustain JA’s critical mission and help ensure that every child receives the resources, training, education and experiences they will need to face the challenges of succeeding in a complex and unpredictable world. Almost 70% of the students JA serves are from low-income families and will likely not have the opportunity to learn the skills that will allow them to be self-sufficient through employment or entrepreneurship and contribute to the future of our local economy. There are four specific fund opportunities: Capital Investments, Program Innovation Expansion and Scholarships and Endowments. Contact Adrinia Woods, Chief Revenue Officer, at [email protected] or (954) 979-7100.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida
Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) empowers our youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy, and lead our community. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered 20+ programs to over 69,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

For More Information, Contact:
Christopher Miller, Senior Marketing and Media Production Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110

MacKenzie Scott Gives $38.8 Million to Junior Achievement USA
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SFBW May 2021: Soft Skills Lead to Rock Stars

SFBW May 2021: Soft Skills Lead to Rock Stars

Junior Achievement Fills In The Gaps That The Traditional Classroom Leaves Behind

By Drew Limsky
South Florida Business & Wealth, May 2021 Edition

“I am a social person,” says high school senior Huguette St Hubert, with her characteristic directness. She recalls feeling “emotionally drained” when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and it became clear to her that her social network, other than her family, was threatening to dry up along with the educational camaraderie she so prizes.

Born in Haiti and now 18, St Hubert emigrated to the United States at 13 to live with her father—and for the educational opportunities—in Fort Lauderdale. She graduated Lauderdale Lakes Middle School without a hitch, but it’s safe to say that St Hubert’s senior year at Fort Lauderdale’s Stranahan High School required some adjustments. Ironically, the most “normal” thing about the last year has revolved around what is arguably the most stressful aspect of a typical senior year: the age old question of which college to choose. (She has narrowed it down to FAU and NSU).

But for St Hubert, Junior Achievement of South Florida— which empowers students through work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy—has proven to be a life raft, both before and during the pandemic. The physical facility—at least pre-COVID— was a hub of activity, a smart simulation of a central business district: “It gives students a glimpse into the business world,” explains Keith Koenig, a longtime sponsor of Junior Achievement and the owner and CEO of City Furniture (his son Andrew serves as president). “There are about 20 different businesses that are $50,000-per-year sponsors, and that’s important foundation funding. We each have a physical presence, a storefront, so students can roleplay as bankers—or working for a furniture company.”

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SFBW May 2021: Soft Skills Lead to Rock Stars
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JA Announces New Board Members and Executive Committee

JA Announces New Board Members and Executive Committee

For Immediate Release  

For More Information Contact:  

Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager 
Junior Achievement of South Florida 
(954) 979-7110  
[email protected]  

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTH FLORIDA ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

Junior Achievement of South Florida, the go-to expert for entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy programs for 50,000 students in Broward and south Palm Beach counties, welcomes its newest Board Members, and its Executive Committee for 2020-2021. 

Congratulations to the following community leaders on their election to JA’s Board of Directors: 

  • Jeni Chokron, Senior Commercial Relationship Manager & Broward Commercial Team Lead, First Horizon 
  • Jessica Lerner, President and CEO, Community Care Plan 
  • John Goff, Vice President, Retail Operations, Miami Division, Publix 
  • Kenneth deBritto, CEO, AiMediaGroup 
  • Kim Swears, Managing Partner & Owner, FB Marine Group 
  • Major Kevin Granville, Broward Sheriff’s Office
  • Michelle Martinez Reyes, Chief Relations Officer, Kelley Kronenberg 
  • Sunem Beaton-Garcia, Campus President and Vice Provost, Academic Services, Broward College North Campus 

Serving on the Executive Committee and Committee Chairs are: 

  • Andrew Koenig,  Board Vice Chair – CITY Furniture 
  • Bob Birdsong, Governance Committee Chair – OK Generators 
  • Brandon Hensler, Marketing/PR/External Affairs Committee Chair – Nova Southeastern University 
  • Brenda Horner, CEO Compensation Committee Chair – Consolidated Credit Solutions 
  • David Greenberg, Innovative Initiatives Committee Chair – Greenberg Capital 
  • Franki Schmidt, Secretary –  American Express 
  • Joel D. Mayersohn, Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair – Dickinson Wright 
  • Mark Walter, Audit Committee Chair – The Legacy Companies 
  • Meaghan Ryan, Programs Committee Chair – Seminole Gaming 
  • Tim Hogans, Community & Government Affairs Committee Chair – NextEra Energy/ FPL 
  • Tim Rubin, Board Chair, Executive Committee Chair –  Kaufman Rossin & Co. 

JA’s Board of Directors is composed of 72 local community leaders with a strong and balanced blend of skills and experiences and who provide guidance to the JA staff and support the mission. 

“We are proud to have such a strong, forward-thinking and committed Board who exemplify our mission of training the next generation of business leaders, employees and consumers. This group of dynamic leaders understand our goal to bridge the skills gap of today’s students seeking tomorrow’s jobs and teach essential financial literacy skills to prepare our youth for any situation in life so that they have a better future,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. 

In addition to serving on several committees, JA’s Board of Directors also volunteer their time planning and implementing fundraising events and networking opportunities. Learn more about the JA Board of Directors at www.jasouthflorida.org/board-of-directors.  

“Congratulations to the newest members of our Board of Directors. Despite what obstacles are thrown our way, I look forward to another prosperous year helping Junior Achievement become a thought leader and solution provider in our greater community,” said Tim Rubin, Board Chair. 

 About Junior Achievement of South Florida 

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida. 

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Pictured above: Junior Achievement of South Florida’s newest Board Members (left to right, top row) Sunem Beaton-Garcia, Jeni Chokron, Kenneth deBritto, John Goff, Major Kevin Granville, Jessica Lerner, Michelle Martinez-Reyes and Kim Swears.  

JA Announces New Board Members and Executive Committee
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South Florida Business & Wealth July 2019: Students Offer Consulting Services

South Florida Business & Wealth July 2019: Students Offer Consulting Services

South Florida Business and Wealth July 2019: JA’s Entrepreneurial Students Offer Consulting Services

By Sally Ann O’Dowd
July 2019 Issue

From learning the ropes of supply chain management to studying the latest in big data, Geomani Brooks was not a typical high school graduate. His evening routine of researching companies likewise showed exceptional rigor for his age.

But such are the interests and habits Brooks developed during his two years in Junior Achievement of South Florida, as a junior and senior at South Broward High School. From there, he earned a 2018 summer internship at City Furniture, whose president, Andrew Koenig, is a JA board member.

“I was shadowing the global logistics team for two months,” recalls Brooks, who will enter his sophomore year at Broward College in the fall. “Each day , I would shadow a different person, and learn how they do things as individuals and as a team. It was amazing, how much went into sourcing fabrics; they were very aware of where they got products from and child labor laws. That was one of the first questions I asked them.”

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South Florida Business & Wealth July 2019: Students Offer Consulting Services
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