Team Member Spotlight: Junior Achievement Welcomes Vallen Snowden as the New Impact Manager for Northshore

Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans is thrilled to announce the addition of Vallen Snowden as the new Impact Manager for the Northshore. Vallen brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role, having started her career with JA in June 2024. However, her journey with JA began much earlier as a dedicated volunteer since 2008!

Born and raised in the vibrant Gentilly area of New Orleans, Vallen is a proud alumna of McDonogh 35 Senior High School. Her career is marked by diverse experiences, including serving in the United States Air Force as an EMT and working in finance and banking for over a decade. Most recently, she was the Branch Manager for The First Bank in Mandeville.

Vallen’s commitment to community service extends beyond her professional life. She is an active “Rosie” with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for those in need. Additionally, she serves as a board member for her neighborhood's Homeowners Association (HOA) and the Baseball Booster at her son’s high school.

When asked about her new role at JA, Vallen expressed her enthusiasm for empowering youth. “I love that I can be a part of using community leaders to share real-life experiences to teach students about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness. It’s about building the next generation of success in our communities.”

Vallen’s dedication to making a positive impact on future leaders is evident in her admiration for JA’s work. “JA experiences tend to ‘stick’ with students. It helps them understand that the only limit they have is themselves,” she said.

Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Vallen enjoys traveling and creating lasting memories with her family and friends. While she’s yet to determine her favorite restaurant in Greater New Orleans, she’s eager to explore the city’s renowned culinary scene. If given the chance to visit any place in the world, the Maldives tops her list.

Reflecting on her greatest influences, Vallen credits her mother as her biggest inspiration. “She’s the most persistent and loving person I know. She’s instilled in me many values that I use daily and continues to be a voice of reason in my life.”

Vallen’s approach to life is one of gratitude and setting ambitious goals. She doesn’t keep a traditional bucket list but focuses on living in the moment and making a significant impact.

As Vallen steps into her role, Junior Achievement is excited about the energy and dedication she brings. Her diverse background and unwavering passion for helping others make her a valuable addition to the JA family.

For more information about Junior Achievement and its programs, visit www.jagno.org

To schedule JA programs in St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa parishes or to sign up to volunteer in the 2024-2025 school year, contact Vallen at vallen@jagno.org.