Junior Achievement of South Florida is fortunate to have outstanding volunteers like Bob Alden! Bob’s life’s work has centered around his passion for giving back. Read below to learn more about Bob, and why he chooses to volunteer at JA. Thanks for all you do, Bob!
How long have you been volunteering with JA?
I started volunteering with JA San Diego in 2006 but have been with JA South Florida since 2016.
What industry do you typically speak about at JA?
My favorite is to volunteer at the (JA Finance Park) Wells Fargo storefront. I like teaching students about investments and sharing some of my personal experiences.
What was your career before you retired?
I was a Naval officer and then worked as a civilian contractor for the Navy.
How has JA changed your life?
My entire life has been about volunteering and philanthropy. JA gives me an opportunity to talk about the importance of financial literacy, which is not generally taught to today’s youth in our schools. It fills a critical need.
What would you tell a potential volunteer?
Our children are our future. It’s important for them to know about our economy, how to survive in the real world, manage their money, and about all the career options available to them. I wish I knew about JA earlier in life because I would have done a lot of things differently.
Each year, more than 7,000 trained volunteer role models and mentors from the local community help teach core principles around financial literacy, career skills and entrepreneurship, to students in the classrooms and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion. These mentors include working and retired business professionals, corporate teams, parents, and college students. Learn more and become a JA Volunteer today!
