Wows & Nows April 2025 Articles
Author: Joseph Luther
Corporate Responsibility
Published:
Friday, 25 Apr 2025
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Image caption: State Farm
Thank You, State Farm!
A generous donation from State Farm to support financial literacy education across Wisconsin will begin to impact JA programs and enhance student learning across Wisconsin this month. In addition to financial support, State Farm employees are also an important part of JA’s volunteer work in communities across the state providing hands-on learning in money management and career development.
Next year, State Farm will serve as a case partner for 3DE – a JA curriculum model being implemented at two Milwaukee high schools. Students will collaborate in teams to develop recommendations on how the company can prevent distracted teen driving. Case challenges help students gain critical competencies while solving relevant issues.
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Image caption: JA ‘Mission Possible
JA ‘Mission Possible’ Reveals New Possibilities
JA’s South-Central Region recently showed team members, volunteers and other supporters just what can be possible when communities work together. The “JA Mission Possible,” team building adventure raised $15,745 and opened the door to over 100 new volunteers.
The free event was made possible by title sponsor, Accuray, and supporting sponsors, Alliant Energy and Wells Fargo. Teams participating in person and remotely completed exciting challenges, giving them the background needed to volunteer, while having a blast with colleagues.
At JA, we’re all about exploring what’s possible, helping young people connect what they learn in school with life outside the classroom. We let them know it’s possible to invest in their future, to gain a better understanding of how the world works and to pursue their dreams.
If you’re interested in empowering the next generation with skills for success, ask about JA Mission Possible. It’s an exciting opportunity to rally coworkers, strengthen team bonds, give back, and be a part of something bigger. Contact Lori Astell today.
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Image caption: Lori Astell, JA Regional Director for South Central Wisconsin
Behind the Scenes:
Lori Astell, JA Regional Director for South Central Wisconsin
Lori joined Junior Achievement of Wisconsin in March of 2024 as Director of our South-Central Region. In this role, Lori provides leadership for JA’s development work— focusing on securing revenue and strengthening our community presence, and programming work— creating partnerships with local schools and other youth organizations centered on education and volunteer opportunities. Lori and the rest of the South-Central staff are Wisconsin’s “go-to team” for new and innovative ways to support schools and communities across the Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Walworth, Sauk, Rock, Richland, and Lafayette counties. Learn more about Lori.
With more than 15 years of experience in non-profit leadership, marketing, fundraising, and entrepreneurship, Lori most recently served as Chief Experience Officer of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin - Badgerland. Prior to her career in Girl Scouts, Lori worked as a fundraiser for a non-profit serving people with developmental disabilities. She earned her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University and Bachelor’s in Marketing and Graphic Design, from Bowling Green State University.
In her free time, Lori is sparked by all things outdoor adventure. Camping, hiking, biking, or fly fishing the Driftless are among her favorite pastimes with her husband and playful pups by her side. Always on the go, you may also find her out on the fairway, weeding her flower gardens, advocating for animals as a board member of a local shelter, or enthralled in a competitive card or game night with her family in Monona, WI.
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Image caption: Financial Literacy Month with JA
Financial Literacy Month with JA:
All the Tools You Need to Succeed
Did you know that 80% of adults wish they had been required to take a financial education course during high school, according to the National Endowment for Financial Education? Now more than ever, long-term success as an adult starts from firm financial footing when first starting out on your own.
As teens across the state grapple with the realities of financial responsibilities, JA is a critical connection for schools, educators, and families to help Wisconsin’s young transition into adulthood. Learn how to help empower students through financial literacy.
Basic personal finance skills are an important part of preparing for and managing the unexpected. JA programs do more than teach students the math of financial literacy, they provide age-appropriate learning experiences that give students the confidence to make informed decisions that create financial stability, regardless of their future income.
JA offers financial literacy opportunities for students from elementary school through high school. Our reputation as a state leader in financial literacy programs is built on a rigorous, multi-year curriculum that aligns with state educational standards and has been shown by third-party evaluations to have a positive impact on Wisconsin students’ financial readiness. Check out all of our K-12 financial literacy resources now.
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Image caption: Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame Laureates Inducted - May 29th
Save the Date!
Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame Laureates Inducted
Junior Achievement of Wisconsin is excited to announce the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame™ 35th anniversary celebration Thursday, May 29 at the Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee – and you’re invited! If you’re interested in contributing, we invite you to join us as an Honorary Committee Vice-Chair or Member for what promises to be one of the best business events of the year.
This year’s Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame Laureates and Honorees include Thomas F. Pyle, Jr. and Judy Pyle of Rayovac, John E. Schlifske of Northwestern Mutual, Mark Murphy of the Packers, and Jeff Yabuki of Fiserv. The gathering provides a unique opportunity to engage with leaders from across the state and hear the success stories of our honorees. Proceeds from the event support Junior Achievement’s mission. Learn how you can help.
We will be celebrating Wisconsin’s class of 2025 laureates and awardees for their remarkable achievements, service and community impact. Since its inception in 1990, the induction ceremony has been attended by some of the state’s most prominent business leaders and biggest success stories.
How You Can Help
Donate to become an Honorary Committee Vice Chair or Honorary Committee Member or make a gift on behalf of one of our Laureates.
Your commitment is a vital part of inspiring new generations to imagine and achieve success through Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. Join us Thursday, May 29 from 5:15 – 8:30 p.m. at The Pfister Hotel, 424 E Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI.
For more information or to help honor the awardees as a sponsor, please email Jennifer Gryniewicz: jgryniewicz@jawis.org.
Select a button below to see how you or your organization can get involved with Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Inc..
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