Our Impact
Inspiring and empowering young people
Professional Growth Through Volunteerism: Scotiabank’s Journey with JA Central Ontario
Making a meaningful difference for the future of local youth
Skills-based volunteerism is one of the most valuable ways to give back to your community. And – as well as a great chance to support local – it’s also an excellent way to develop your own professional journey. Volunteering with JA Central Ontario empowers individuals to make a difference with youth across the region, while at the same time fueling their personal and professional growth.
Our partnership with Scotiabank, through the ScotiaRISE initiative, is a great example of how employee-supported volunteers can focus on professional development, while also giving back to their communities. Over the past 20 years, Scotiabank employees have dedicated their time and skills to volunteer with JA, including as JA Company Program advisors, working alongside high-school entrepreneurs as business mentors and role models.
Explore the stories of two Company Program advisors from Scotiabank to learn how employee engagement drives meaningful impact – for students and volunteers alike!
Theeran’s Story:
Theeran Krishnathas is a committed JA Company Program advisor. As a first-generation Canadian and a JA Company Program alumnus, Theeran shared how this opportunity helped him gain valuable leadership and management skills as a young professional early in his career. His journey from participant to advisor has allowed him to mentor the next generation while also developing his own career path.
Hear Theeran’s insights as a first-time Company Program advisor below.
Melanie’s Story:
Melanie Laygo’s journey with JA Company Program showcases just how important professional development is, even for those with an established career.
“Joining the program has also honed [my skills] across technical, business and leadership,” she reflects. “My mentoring skills have also been improved by knowing when to step back and allow the students to grow and when to step in when they need my assistance (…) My network has also expanded by meeting other advisors in and outside the team.”
Through her role as an advisor, Melanie not only navigated challenges but also embraced new insights in leadership, mentorship and project management. Her experience is an excellent example of how volunteering ensures continuous learning, growth and professional development.
About JA Central Ontario
JA Central Ontario envisions a world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. They want to make sure all young people are economically empowered with the skills, confidence and networks to shape the future.
As a youth-centred charity, JA Central Ontario works together with a dedicated network of volunteers, partners and educators to deliver immersive learning in work readiness, financial health, entrepreneurship and more. JA students benefit from mentorship and real-world experiences, transforming their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations as they build their futures.
JA Central Ontario impacts students in Halton, Peel, Toronto, York, Durham and Simcoe regions. They are part of one of the world’s most-impactful youth-serving social good organizations – JA Worldwide – and they work closely with our national network, JA Canada.
