About Us
Preparing youth to succeed
in a global economy
Our Story
EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE TO SHAPE THE FUTURE
Here at JA Central Ontario, we envision a world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.
We want to make sure all young people are economically empowered with the skills, confidence and networks to shape their future in a way that works for them and those around them.
Start a local business? Set up a community food bank? Land the job of their dreams? Save for that trip of a lifetime? No matter what they dream of, through JA Central Ontario they will build the skills, practice the thinking and meet the people who will help them get there.
Together with a dedicated network of volunteers, partners and educators, we deliver immersive learning experiences for students in grades 3-12, focusing on work readiness, financial health, entrepreneurship and more. JA students benefit from real-world work experience and know-how, transforming their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations as they build their futures.
As young Canadians plan a future in the wake of a global pandemic and a rapidly changing world, JA learning experiences are more important than ever. By building a wide range of skills and nurturing self-belief, JA prepares young people for the future of work, teaches them how to think entrepreneurially, and ensures they have the tools to be financially capable adults.
Our work covers Dufferin, Durham, Halton, Peel, Toronto, York and Simcoe regions. We are part of the world’s largest and most-impactful youth-serving NGOs – JA Worldwide – and work closely with our national network, JA Canada.
We are proudly accredited by Imagine Canada.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and talents in our staff, volunteers, and boards to reflect the geographies and communities we serve. The JA global mission upholds the principles of diversity and inclusion not only as guiding directives in our programs, but in the day-to-day commitments we have to one another as peers, participants, alumni, and friends.
Exposure to new people, ideas and perspectives strengthens the individual, building character and inspiring them to new horizons.
Our Purpose
Our Mission
JA Central Ontario inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy.
Our Vision
A world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.
Our Values
- Believe in the boundless potential of young people
- Advocate for relevant, hands-on learning
- Teach principled, market-based economics and entrepreneurship that build a more sustainable world
- Approach our work with passion, honesty, integrity, and excellence
- Seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and talents in our staff, volunteers, and boards to reflect the geographies and communities we serve
- Nurture the power of partnership and collaboration
Our Team
Board of Directors

Rhonda Klosler
Chair, Board of Directors
Chief Operating Officer & Eastern Canada Market Lead
RSM Canada

Chris Cornell
Vice Chair, Board of Directors
Partner, Audit, National Sector Lead, Insurance
KPMG

Dean Percy
Treasurer; Chair, Operations
Treasurer; Chair, Operations
Finance Services Executive (Retired)

Vivian Leung
Secretary
Secretary
National Tax Learning and Development Leader
Director, National Tax Centre
KPMG LLP

Anthony Boright
Director
Technology Entrepreneur and Financial Services Executive (Retired)

Michelle Cowan
Chair, Governance & Nominations
Regional Vice President, North Toronto Region
RBC

Kathy Falconi
Director
Strategy Executive (Retired)

Jeff Wright
Director
Co-Head, Integration
National Bank of Canada

Stephen Jurisic
Director
Creative Director Consultant

Nancy King
Director
Vice President, Executive Product Owner
TD Bank

Manasi Koushik
Director
Vice President Sustainability, Quality & Community
Dexterra Group

Jamal Pascall
Director, Emerging Leader
Senior Strategic Manager
RBC

Hitesh Peshavaria
Director
Partner, Government & Public Services
Deloitte

Steve Tyers
Director
SVP Modernization & Enablement, Technology, Infrastructure and Innovation
CIBC

Daniel Shum
Director
Vice-President & Senior Partner
IBM Canada
Senior
Leadership

Alanna Clark
Senior Director, Government Relations & Fund Development
Governors
Meet our GovernorsOur Team
Our Partners
Become a PartnerWe couldn’t empower a new generation without the support of our generous partners – thank you!
Last updated: January 2026
Changemakers
Champions
Innovators





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- Peter & Catherine Clark Family Foundation




Accelerators
- 990 Capital Management
- Accenture Inc.
- Actuarial Foundation of Canada
- AEO Better World Foundation
- American International Group
- Allegis Global Solutions
- Amazon Canada
- American Express Canada
- A.W.B. Charitable Foundation
- Bell Canada
- Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance
- Burgundy Asset Management Ltd.
- Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO)
- Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Ltd.
- Continental Casualty Company (CNA)
- Deloitte Canada
- Enterprise Mobility Foundation
- Export Development Canada (EDC)
- FactSet Canada Inc.
- Fairfax Financial Holdings
- Fundserv
- Fairstone Financial Inc.
- Fig Financial Inc.
- Hosper Mortgage
- Imperial Oil Limited
- International Financial Data Services (IFDS)
- Interac Corp.
- KingSett Capital
- Liberty Mutual Canada
- Moneris Solutions Corporation
- National Bank of Canada
- Pacific Life Re
- Pathwise Credit Union
- RBC Insurance
- RGA Life Insurance Company of Canada
- State Street Corporation
- Sun Life Financial Emerging Professionals Network
- TC Energy
- The Coca-Cola Company
- The Actuarial Foundation of Canada
- The Lawson Foundation
- The Starke Group
- Thomas, Large and Singer (TLS)
- Volvo Financial Services
- Wealthsimple Foundation
- Wells Fargo Securities Canada, Ltd.
- Whitchurch-Stouffville Legacy Fund
Our Donors
Become a DonorWe couldn't impact our students without the support of generous individual donors. Thank you to everybody who has helped us raise funds to empower a new generation.
You can find a full list of our donors in our Annual Report











