Junior Achievement of Central Texas is bringing local business leaders, educators and community supporters together on November 5 for Illuminating Futures: An Evening with Junior Achievement, an annual fundraiser set inside Austin PBS Studios. The evening will honor three visionaries: Ali Khataw, P.E. and Neha Sampat as business leader honorees, and Stephanie Matula as the visionary educator honoree.
As reported by CBS Austin, the gala celebrates students, educators and community leaders helping prepare the next generation for success. Allison Miller and John-Carlos Estrada will emcee the program, according to the same report. The event doubles as a fundraiser, with proceeds raising funds to expand Junior Achievement of Central Texas's educational programs across the region.
Guests will find a curated menu and signature cocktail from Peached Tortilla, per the event listing on jacentex.org. DJ Mel will keep the music going throughout the program, while Stephanie Bergara of Bidi Bidi Banda handles cocktail-hour sets, the station's report notes. An H-E-B photo booth and a Kendra Scott pop-up will also be on hand for attendees.
A Piece of Austin Music History on Site
The venue itself carries a nod to Austin's broadcast and music legacy: the event will include a preserved section of the original Austin City Limits stage, according to the jacentex.org event page. A live auction will offer local and international experiences, including trips to Paris and Mexico City with round-trip flights included, per the same listing.
Event proceeds will help Junior Achievement of Central Texas expand its programs and reach more students throughout the region, the organization says. Those interested in attending or supporting the cause can reach Emily Long at [email protected], or find additional details at bit.ly/jafutures.
A Track Record Built Since 2016
Junior Achievement of Central Texas focuses on equipping young people with skills and confidence to succeed in school and future careers. The organization says it has helped more than 800 teens start and run real businesses since 2016, while also serving more than 5,000 additional students annually through entrepreneurship, financial literacy and workforce-readiness programs in grades K-12, according to jacentex.org.
Those programs connect students with business and community leaders through volunteer experiences, per centraltexas.ja.org, the Junior Achievement of Central Texas website. The organization describes itself as a nonprofit that inspires and prepares young people for success through hands-on learning, career exploration and financial education. Junior Achievement nationally points to more than 100 years of impact on economic mobility for young people.
Junior Achievement of Central Texas has also framed its impact in dollar terms, saying its programs can create an entrepreneur for $42 per month. With the November fundraiser approaching, organizers are positioning Illuminating Futures as both a tribute to this year's honorees and a way to keep that work funded across Central Texas classrooms.
