Empowering young people and inspiring brighter futures! Junior Achievement of Central Texas is bringing the community together for an evening celebrating leadership, innovation and opportunity at Illuminating Futures, presented by Delta Air Lines.

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Illuminating Futures_ An Evening with Junior Achievement_1080p – 643b8db0-a605-4523-beae-e1f378584eb6.png

Charlie Chadderdon, Managing Director and Senior Vice President, and Luis J. Guitart of Delta Air Lines joined Sierra Waggoner to share how Junior Achievement is preparing the next generation for success and what guests can expect at this special celebration.

Charlie Chadderdon, Managing Director and Senior Vice President, and Luis J. Guitart of Delta Air Lines joined We Are Austin to share how Junior Achievement is preparing the next generation for success and what guests can expect at this special celebration.

Charlie Chadderdon, Managing Director and Senior Vice President, and Luis J. Guitart of Delta Air Lines joined We Are Austin to share how Junior Achievement is preparing the next generation for success and what guests can expect at this special celebration.

Watch the full video above to learn more!

Helping Central Texas students build brighter futures

Junior Achievement of Central Texas provides hands-on educational experiences that help students develop financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurial skills.

Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, the organization partners with schools and offers interactive learning experiences, including JA Finance Park.

Junior Achievement of Central Texas provides hands-on educational experiences that help students develop financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurial skills.

Junior Achievement of Central Texas provides hands-on educational experiences that help students develop financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurial skills.

“We work with nearly 20 schools, almost 5,000 students,” Charlie shared, adding that the organization has provided nearly 40,000 hours of volunteer time.

As Central Texas continues to grow, Junior Achievement is working to expand its reach and equip more students with the tools to succeed.

Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, the organization partners with schools and offers interactive learning experiences, including JA Finance Park.

Serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, the organization partners with schools and offers interactive learning experiences, including JA Finance Park.

An unforgettable evening at Illuminating Futures

Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 5, 2026, when Illuminating Futures takes place at PBS Studios.

Guests can look forward to live music, cocktails, delicious appetizers and a live auction, all while supporting Junior Achievement’s mission.

Guests can look forward to live music, cocktails, delicious appetizers and a live auction, all while supporting Junior Achievement's mission.

Guests can look forward to live music, cocktails, delicious appetizers and a live auction, all while supporting Junior Achievement’s mission.

The celebration will also recognize community visionaries and bring together leaders who are passionate about investing in the next generation.

The live auction will include a special round-trip flight experience provided by presenting sponsor Delta Air Lines.

Illuminating Futures is an opportunity to enjoy a memorable evening while supporting programs that help students build confidence, explore careers and prepare for their futures.

Illuminating Futures is an opportunity to enjoy a memorable evening while supporting programs that help students build confidence, explore careers and prepare for their futures.

Proceeds from the evening will support Junior Achievement’s educational programs and opportunities for Central Texas students.

Why Delta Air Lines is investing in the next generation

For Delta Air Lines, supporting Junior Achievement is about creating lasting opportunities for young people.

“It’s not just a focus on a single skill, but a well-rounded program that allows for lasting long-term impact,” Luis explained.

Charlie Chadderdon, Managing Director and Senior Vice President, and Luis J. Guitart of Delta Air Lines joined We Are Austin to share how Junior Achievement is preparing the next generation for success and what guests can expect at this special celebration.

Charlie Chadderdon, Managing Director and Senior Vice President, and Luis J. Guitart of Delta Air Lines joined We Are Austin to share how Junior Achievement is preparing the next generation for success and what guests can expect at this special celebration.

He highlighted the organization’s commitment to financial literacy, career exploration and workforce readiness.

“This mission is the reason that Delta supports 29 chapters of Junior Achievement across five continents,” Luis shared.

Delta’s investment in Austin continues to grow, too. The airline has more than doubled its nonstop flight offerings from Austin in recent years and announced plans for daily nonstop service to Paris beginning in late March.

With approximately 900 Delta employees in Central Texas, the company is also focused on supporting the community beyond air travel.

“We understand that our long-term success is not possible without a thriving and healthy community here in Austin,” Luis said.

Celebrate leadership and make a difference

Illuminating Futures is an opportunity to enjoy a memorable evening while supporting programs that help students build confidence, explore careers and prepare for their futures.

Proceeds from the evening will support Junior Achievement's educational programs and opportunities for Central Texas students.

Proceeds from the evening will support Junior Achievement’s educational programs and opportunities for Central Texas students.

Event details:

What: Illuminating Futures, presented by Delta Air Lines

When: Thursday, November 5, 2026

Where: PBS Studios

What to expect: Live music, cocktails, appetizers, a live auction and community recognition

For additional event information and ways to support the organization, visit Junior Achievement online at jacentex.org

For additional event information and ways to support the organization, visit Junior Achievement.

For additional event information and ways to support the organization, visit Junior Achievement.

The live auction will include a special round-trip flight experience provided by presenting sponsor Delta Air Lines.

The live auction will include a special round-trip flight experience provided by presenting sponsor Delta Air Lines.

Watch the full We Are Austin interview above to hear more from Charlie Chadderdon and Luis J. Guitart!