JA Americas Alumni Holds First In-Person Alumni Leaders Academy and Announces Alumni Board
December 13, 2024
JA Worldwide and JA Americas Alumni hosted the first-ever Alumni Leaders Academy Americas last week in Montevideo, Uruguay. Powered by FedEx and hosted by DESEM JA Uruguay, the event was the region's first in-person edition of the Academy. Following the successful in-person Academies in Uganda and Malaysia in 2023, the event brought together 14 exceptional young JA alumni leaders from 11 countries, including the newly elected JA Americas Alumni president, Marianela Abril Marocchi (Argentina), and Vice President, Federica Pereira (Uruguay).
The three-day program fostered leadership development, collaboration, and innovation among JA Americas alumni leaders. Participants represented diverse cultural and professional backgrounds and worked to strengthen JA’s alumni network across the Americas. This initiative builds on JA Worldwide’s commitment to empowering young leaders and creating impactful global connections through experiential education and cross-regional collaboration. JA Americas Alumni Coordinator Nelly Cetera and JA Worldwide’s Director of Youth Advocacy and People Sarah Rapp co-hosted the event.
JA Americas Regional Alumni Leadership Team and Board
JA Americas recruited the new regional alumni board and leadership team in October and November. New alumni leaders will serve one-year terms through the end of 2025, and national alumni boards will have the option to choose new candidates or reelect leaders. Throughout this year, alumni leaders will develop the JA Americas alumni network’s strategic plan and identify key goals and priorities. JA Americas alumni officially announced the new leadership team and board during the Alumni Leaders Academy.
Meet the JA Americas Alumni Board
Marianela Abril Marocchi, President
“I believe in the potential of young people to change the future and in the power of a united community to open paths that once seemed impossible. My experience leading JA Alumni in Argentina has shown me how, when we connect and share our stories, we create not only opportunities but a sense of belonging and purpose that transcends borders. As president of JA Alumni Americas, I dream of a network where every young person feels empowered and supported to pursue their dreams, where cultural differences are celebrated as richness and collaborative ties are forged that drive social, economic, and environmental impact projects throughout the region.”
Federica María Pereira Agosto, Vice President
“In my formative years at DESEM JA, I learned the keys to creating solid, passionate, and committed volunteer groups. This has been proven through the challenges of the pandemic, where we also continued to recruit volunteers and strengthen the network, whilst gaining powerful tools for virtual community building.”
“I truly believe there is power in connecting through vulnerability, openness, and inclusion. I choose to lead by example and in holding this platform, I will uphold our key pillars in a way that is a step forward towards inclusion, empowerment, and equality.”
Tobías Ezequiel Iglesias, Regional Events Director
“I am deeply committed to giving back to the organization that has significantly shaped my personal and professional journey. Junior Achievement has equipped me with valuable skills and experiences, and I am eager to contribute to its mission by inspiring and empowering many more young people across the Americas.”
Agustin “Agus” Piriz, Regional Communications Director
“I want to help build a stronger community that empowers young leaders across the region. My experience with DESEM Junior Achievement has shown me the importance of creating opportunities for professional growth and mentorship.”
María Emilia Barrera, Coordinator of Digital Engagement and Community Outreach
“The JA experience that truly transformed me, and solidified my decision to join the JA alumni network, was the FIE in Argentina in 2023. It made such a profound impact on me that I knew right then I wanted to become an active part of this community.”
Meet the National JA Alumni Leaders
