A Tribute to JA Board Chair Mason Couvillon: A Champion for Youth Empowerment
It is with immense gratitude that we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mason Couvillon, outgoing board chair of Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans. Mason, a JA alumnus, joined the JA Board of Governors in 2016. Over the past two years as JA’s Board Chair, Mason's exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment have played an instrumental role in propelling our organization through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under Mason's guidance, Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans has achieved remarkable milestones. One of the most notable accomplishments has been the significant growth in program impact, with student numbers soaring by an impressive 200%. In just two years, our organization went from serving 13,000 students in the 2020-2021 academic year to 26,000 students in the 2022-2023 academic year. This substantial increase demonstrates the invaluable reach and impact of our programs in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.
Moreover, Mason's strategic leadership enabled the expansion of Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans into Mississippi, where we now proudly serve the Gulfport and Long Beach school districts. This expansion is a significant marker, as it represents the only "whole district" implementation model in our service area. By extending our reach, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of even more young people, equipping them with the essential skills needed for future success.
Under Mason's tenure, Junior Achievement has also ventured beyond the traditional K-12 programs, catering to the needs of older youth in work and career readiness. By introducing programs that address the evolving landscape of education and employment, we are ensuring that young people are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
The impact of Mason's leadership extends beyond program expansions. During his chairmanship, Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans successfully resumed our JA BizTown capstone simulations at our facilities, following their closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This relaunch allowed over 1,400 4th, 5th, and 6th graders to experience the transformative power of hands-on learning in a simulated business environment. JA was also able to adapt JA BizTown to welcome students from Opportunities Academy, a rigorous, full-day program for college-aged students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to build upon their work and career readiness skills.
Furthermore, under Mason’s tenure, we are proud to share that Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans received a substantial gift from the esteemed philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This generous contribution will enable us to strategically invest in the growth and sustainability of our organization, ensuring that we can continue to empower and inspire young people for years to come.
In addition to these remarkable achievements, revenue under Mason's leadership has grown by over 50%, a testament to his strategic acumen and dedication to securing the resources necessary to fuel our mission. The exceptional growth of our organization has been recognized through the prestigious Five Star Recognition from JA USA, further solidifying our status as a beacon of excellence in youth empowerment.
Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, Mason's good humor and steadfast leadership approach proved invaluable in guiding Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans through uncertain times. His unwavering commitment and tireless efforts as an ambassador for our organization have been truly remarkable.
On behalf of the entire Junior Achievement community, we extend our deepest appreciation to Mason Couvillon for his exceptional leadership, boundless dedication, and enduring impact on the lives of young people in our region. His visionary guidance and relentless pursuit of empowering youth have laid a strong foundation for the future success of our organization. We are grateful for his unwavering support.