Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans is changing lives one child, one volunteer, and one success story at a time. Delivering exceptional hands-on programs for K-12 students that foster work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills, JAGNO uses experiential learning to inspire students to reach for their full potential. One such success story is Mason Couvillon. A former JA student, former Board Chair, and current Board Member, Mason has first-hand knowledge of the benefits this program allows students, and the rewards reaped from the experience gained therein.
“I started with JAGNO while in high school in the after-school company program,” says Mason. “This was a great extracurricular activity where volunteers from local companies mentored local school kids on how to run a business. In my spare time, I was also able to volunteer to teach a Business Basics class to younger students.”
Being provided real-world, hands-on experience that directly translated to working environments post-schooling, Mason was able to excel; rising through the ranks among his peers into leadership positions that set him on a path to success.
“I had an exceptionally positive experience in the Company Program,” says Mason. “I served as both the CFO and President, elected by my peers and co-workers, and got to compete as such in both a Regional and National JA conference. The experience as an officer and conference participant was very constructive and gave me tools that I use to this day.”
Transitioning out of the program, Mason graduated from Georgetown University and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he completed coursework on investment decisions and behavioral finance. He later entered the financial services industry in 1996 and now works in the development and implementation of investment strategies for clients, along with his role as president of Dardis Couvillon & Associates. But, through it all, he always knew that he would want to return to JAGNO and repay the generosity they once bestowed upon him by helping to boost the next generation of businesspeople.
“After my high school experience with JA, I continued my involvement following college as a volunteer in the classroom while living in D.C,” says Mason. “Upon my return to New Orleans, I was fortunate enough to join the Board of Governors in 2001. Since then, I have served as Chairman of the Board while continuing to volunteer as a mock interviewer, mentor, and program teacher. Volunteering to work with students is a highlight of my JA involvement.”
Over the years, the breadth of JAGNO’s outreach has expanded exponentially. With local opportunities and facilities like JA BizTown, a local Career Expo in partnership with YouthForce NOLA, the Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge, and now programming for young adults ages 18 to 25 students are exposed to opportunities that prime them for a successful life and career, with Mason acting as a living, breathing example.
“The positive impact that JA brings into our community is not debatable,” says Mason. “Those that support this outstanding organization to do what it does for those in our area are providing impactful exposure and education. What could be a better investment than that? I would highly encourage support of such a worthy entity and the opportunity that JA provides.”
To learn more about JAGNO’s programs and volunteer opportunities, please visit jagno.org.
