
Between its brand-new facility and a couple of very bright student ambassadors, Rocky Mountain Junior Achievement gave us all hope for the future at its recent dedication celebration in Greenwood Village. From great idea to the finished product, the sparkling new JA Free Enterprise Center is designed to be a go-to place for education, innovation and inspiration–with plenty of opportunities for any students who just want to figure things out as well. All in all, it’s a hands-on, immersive experience tailored to each individual. With the variety of functional and beautiful spaces, along with some “wow” technology involved, prepare to be impressed.

Mary Pat Link with philanthropists Judi and Charlie McNeil
On Tuesday, Aug. 29, sponsors, donors and supporters gathered at the facility for self-guided tours and the ribbon ceremony. Not a ribbon cutting—but a ceremonial ribbon-tying and untying that ultimately signified the endless possibilities for students in the world of business. The short program included remarks from student ambassadors Andrew Kim and Maxwell Skidmore, as well as JA President and CEO Robin Wise. Speaking and participating in the ribbon ceremony: James Taylor, of Dedication Celebration sponsor Charles Schwab and board member; and Chris Gdowski, board member and superintendent of Adams 12 Five Star Schools.

Chris Gdowski and James Taylor begin the tying-untying ribbon ceremony.
JA reports: The JA Free Enterprise Center fuses the physical and digital worlds to deliver innovative, real-world and inspirational learning experiences in financial literacy, entrepreneurship and career readiness, reaching an additional 25,000 students annually.
The Daniels Fund JA Dream Accelerator is an interactive and responsive career exploration experience designed to motivate high school students to develop a plan to pursue a meaningful career. After students’ initial visit, JA provide ongoing learning opportunities and additional resources customized to each student’s experience.

JA student ambassadors Maxwell Skidmore (left) and Andrew Kim
The second JA Finance Park in metro Denver doubles JA’s capacity to provide teens the opportunity to become adults for the day in this immersive simulation. Recognized by Harvard University as a best practice for teaching financial literacy, students explore a mini-city, learning first-hand how to budget for housing, insurance, transportation, retirement investments and more. Volunteer role models share their experiences, helping teens connect their learning to the real-world.
Spaces within the facility are available for community use, including conference rooms, a large terrace overlooking the Rocky Mountains and event space with capacity for 80 to 150 people.
Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc. (JA) is part of the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to motivating kids for future career success, self-sufficiency and financial acumen.
- (l to r): Charla Candy-Kadlubar, Mackenzie Weis, Emily Seitz
- (l to r): Kellie Littrell, Keith Lobis, Christa Phillips
- Kent Walker (left), Travis Deatherage
- From South Metro Chamber: President Jeff Keener, VP Lori Gerlits
- (l to r): Shonna Tsacoumangos, Melissa Baum, Lilla Newton
- Checking out the Hall of Fame area
- (l to r): Board member Chris Gdowski, JA President and CEO Robin Wise, board member James Taylor
- Acoustic guitar music was the perfect backdrop.
- Don Woods (left), Bill Mosher
- Board member Bob Hottman and JA President and CEO Robin Wise
- Guests experience the Daniels Fund JA Dream Accelerator
- Physical and virtual designs blend seamlessly in the JA Dream Accelerator.
- Mary Pat Link with philanthropists Judi and Charlie McNeil
- Arlene Hirschfeld chats with a friend in the lobby area.
- Steps to sucess
- Hippie Chicks Catering provided tasty food and beverage stations throughout the Center.
- (l to r): Seddrick Robinson, Laura Luscinski, Sandaru Jayanetti, Nicole Motley
- Enjoying the terrace and the mountain view: Casey Cortese (front); (second row): Tessa Anderson, Justine Espinosa, (back): Lauren Press
- (l to r): Tim Vacca, Kelley Bergmann, Cynthia Madden Leitner
- (l to r): Jennifer Cormier, Ashley Manning, Kelli Buffo, Dana Anderson, Brad Peer
- The second-floor Pete & Marilyn Coors Hospitality Hub is adjacent to the outdoor terrace.
- Maxwell Skidmore, JA Student Ambassador
- Andrew Kim, JA Student Ambassador
- Bob Hottman, board member and donor
- Chris Gdowski and James Taylor begin the tying-untying ribbon ceremony.
- JA President and CEO Robin Wise, with Greenwood Village Mayor George Lantz
- JA President and CEO Robin Wise (right), with Arlene and Barry Hirschfeld
- The Center’s Gratitude Wall of generous donors
- What do you like to do?
- A guest takes part in the immersive stations.
- Guests at the Daniels Fund JA Dream Accelerator
- Learning how to use the JA Dream Accelerator’s tablet
- JA student ambassadors Maxwell Skidmore (left) and Andrew Kim
- Etta and Mike West
- Kevin Kelley and Nicole Dorsey
- Liz Stapp and Brent Baribeau
- (l to r): Dave Alleman, board members Jim Vaughn and Sandy Rothe, Carrie Alleman
- Board member Michael Liedtke (left) and Jeff Keener, South Metro Chamber president and CEO
- The design and construction team
- Damon and board member Heather Barry
- (l to r): Leanna Clark, Denise and Brent Synder, Steve and Robin Wise
- Kristi Shaffer, Brian Flory
- JA President and CEO Robin Wise, with JA Student Ambassadors Maxwell Skidmore (left) and Andrew Kim
- David Wells and Megan Silbert