Junior Achievement and Staples Cause for Caring, Inc. Join Forces to Empower Youth Nationwide Through Multi-Year Grant Program

Atlanta, Georgia – Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia proudly announces its groundbreaking partnership with Staples Cause for Caring, Inc. (Staples), uniting efforts in an innovative nationwide initiative across eight local JA operations. Together, we are igniting a transformative approach to education, enhancing work and career readiness skills, and fostering a pathway toward a brighter, more prosperous future.

This strategic collaboration is built on a foundation of comprehensive lessons designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and confidence required for success in their careers. Our joint endeavor embodies Staples’ unwavering commitment to philanthropy and community engagement, setting the stage for a multi-year journey of support. The partnership’s inaugural step involves a substantial planned gift of $250,000 for 2023, with the potential for further contributions in subsequent years, subject to collaborative evaluations.

This dynamic alliance will propel a comprehensive suite of programs, strategically tailored to elevate the education and professional readiness of our youth. Deployed in specific markets, these initiatives act as catalysts for youth empowerment and community growth. Our sponsorship structure bolsters JA educational programs like JA BizTown, JA Finance Park, and 3DE by Junior Achievement are all geared toward nurturing the talents of our future leaders.

United by a shared dedication to youth development and community enrichment, Staples and Junior Achievement of Georgia exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration. Together, we are prepared to drive tangible change, equipping young individuals with the tools they need to thrive and excel in an ever-evolving world.

About Junior Achievement of Georgia
Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia is a business-integrated education partner with expertise in experiential learning that successfully develops key mindsets and skills for students to lead meaningful and successful lives. JA’s high-impact programs drive long-term outcomes in areas of financial literacy, career readiness, and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit, and are they delivered by corporate and community volunteers. JA of Georgia offers multiple programs, with a focus on middle and high school students, including JA BizTown, JA Finance Park, and 3DE by Junior Achievement. JA of Georgia serves more than 100,000 students statewide in an average year. JA of Georgia has offices in Atlanta, Cumming, Dalton, Gainesville, Lawrenceville, and Savannah. For more information, visit georgia.ja.org

Atlanta Business Leaders to Be Honored for Contributions and Achievements to Atlanta Business Community

Shan Cooper and Terry McGuirk will join the prestigious group of individuals inducted into the JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame.

ATLANTA– Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia and the Atlanta Business Chronicle are pleased to announce that Shan Cooper, Founder and CEO of Journey Forward Strategies, LLC, and Terry McGuirk, Chairperson and CEO of Braves Holdings, LLC will be inducted into the 34th JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame. They will join the group of 101 influential Atlantans previously inducted for their significant contributions to Atlanta’s civic and economic vitality. 

Shan Cooper

Terry McGuirk

The JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame, a black-tie gala to benefit JA of Georgia, is celebrating its 34th year to honor dynamic leaders who have shaped Atlanta into the booming city it is today. The 2024 Atlanta Business Hall of Fame will be held on the evening of Saturday, February 24.

John Hancock, President & CEO of JA of Georgia noted, “What a pleasure it will be to induct these two exceptional people into the JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame. Mr. McGuirk has been a stalwart of Atlanta business for nearly 50 years. Through his various and progressive business roles, he has advanced our region’s reputation around the country and the world, especially in matters of media and sports. He is a model of progress, innovation, and integrity. Similarly, Ms. Cooper has exhibited an enormous range of achievement at the highest and most complex echelons of corporate and civic leadership. Her business results coupled with a modest style and people-centered approach has endeared her to so many she has led and worked alongside.”

Shan Cooper has over 30 years of diverse experience and expertise delivering sustainable results for her clients. Ms. Cooper believes a successful business strategy is most effectively executed when a sound people strategy exists. She lives by the motto “Mission First. People Always.” Ms. Cooper is the current Founder and Chief Executive Officer for Journey Forward Strategies, LLC. She is the former Chief Transformation Officer of WestRock and led the Recycling and Waste Services Division comprised of 22 recycling plants across the US.

Prior to her time with WestRock, Ms. Cooper served as the Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. Outside of her impressive and extensive roles in the corporate world, her heart is for giving back to her community. Ms. Cooper is the former Executive Director for the Atlanta Committee of Progress (ACP), where she served as the Mayor of Atlanta’s external advisory board. 

Before Terry McGuirk became the Chairman and CEO of Braves Holdings, LLC, he had a 35-year career with Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Mr. McGuirk started as an account executive with WTCG, and worked his way up to President and CEO of Time Warner Inc. During his career with TBS, he was instrumental in securing coverage of the Olympics for cable television for the first time and oversaw the comeback of the Atlanta Braves. Mr. McGuirk maintains all aspects of the Braves franchise, including all team business operations and representing the Braves at Major League Baseball ownership meetings. His role with the Braves continues with the Braves Development Company, where he also serves as the Chairman. As of 2010, Mr. McGuirk was placed into the Cable Television Hall of Fame. He currently serves as the Trustee Emeritus for Piedmont Healthcare and The Westminster Schools.

The JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, seated dinner, and laureate induction ceremony. The 34th annual gala will be held at Flourish in Buckhead on February 24, 2024. Proceeds from the event will benefit JA of Georgia and its efforts to empower the next generation to build a better future for themselves and their community. To learn more, visit georgia.ja.org/atlanta-hall-of-fame.