Thanks to Merrily Archer of EEO Legal Solutions, six Junior Achievement teenagers from the Denver School of Science and Technology had the unique opportunity to sit at the “power” table. Merrily sponsored the “Kids Power Table” at the Denver Business Journal Power Book Celebration Luncheon on September 19, 2013. The event featured top business newsmakers whose inspiring accomplishments won them the PowerBook recognition, an honor JA President & CEO Robin Wise earned in 2012.

Before the program had officially begun, Ms. Archer posed a challenge to the students. She asked that they collect as many business cards as possible from the professionals trickling into the ballroom.  In practicing their networking skills and conversing with successful professionals, the students recognized that they, one day, can be just as successful.

While enjoying a formal meal and listening to the Power Book recipients’ acceptance speeches, the teenagers’ eyes opened. They heard from the winners that hard work and dedication really does pay off.  They walked away from the event with new connections, a planned tour of the state Capitol, and confidence in their ability to flourish in our global economy.

Junior Achievement staff is especially grateful to Ms. Archer for choosing to partner with JA in selecting the participating students. Each of these JA students embraces entrepreneurship and has sincere motivation to change the world. In fact, these students all attended JA Business Week in June 2013 and were recognized at JA Business Week for their winning business projects.  Pictured above are Ashlee Rodehorst, Derrick Trujillo, Dwighy Pullen III, Jubilee Michael, Lulu Luna, and Rachel Rousseau-Shander with Merrily Archer.