To the JA Family; to our communities, volunteers and supporters; to our staff and partners; and to our students who look to us for leadership:
Racism and systemic oppression have marginalized our communities for far too long. Like you, we are grieving, angry and scared over the brutality on black lives, racial injustice and the recent violent aftermath. We at Junior Achievement do not tolerate racism in any form and reject a culture of hate.
As an organization, we are committed to helping all young people reach their potential. We respect and value the talents, creativity, perspectives, and backgrounds of all individuals. We work every day to help students re-imagine communities of equal opportunity for all. While our education system is imperfect, education offers an opportunity to build equity in our society. Helping students understand the relevance of education, giving them tools to manage their finances and start a business, and providing hope and belief in themselves can expand economic opportunity for all.
We will continue to listen, learn and foster opportunities for the students we serve in all communities throughout Arizona. We celebrate the right to peacefully protest as a way to create the understanding necessary for lasting change.
We are with you. Thank you for being a part of the JA family and helping change our community by changing the futures of the students we serve.
Katherine Cecala
President
Junior Achievement of Arizona