Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s vice president of education, Nate Klein, has been named a recipient of the national JA USA Rising Star Award. The honor recognizes emerging leaders within the network who demonstrate leadership, impact and commitment to the organization’s mission of preparing young people for success.
According to a release, the award is given to select staff members nationwide who show high performance, professionalism and a record of success within their local JA area. Nominees must demonstrate significant local contributions and the potential for wider impact across the JA network.
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s leadership team and three education directors nominated Mr. Klein.
“I’m truly honored to be recognized individually for what has been a remarkable collective effort to elevate Junior Achievement and deepen our impact in the community,” Mr. Klein said. “Over the past few years, it’s been both inspiring and energizing to collaborate with our incredible educator partners – dreaming big and turning those dreams into action alongside a fantacular team.”
Mr. Klein’s role with JA began as a student and volunteer with the JA Company Program. After an internship with JA, he worked in leadership roles at Aflac headquarters in Georgia and Mount Mercy University before returning to Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa full time in 2023. He now leads the education and experiential learning teams, overseeing curriculum development, 3DE and workforce initiatives.
“Nate leads with passion, vision, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible for our students,” said Christine Landa, president of Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa. “He brings heart and innovation to every project he is involved in, and his ability to connect big dreams to practical, local impact has been truly inspiring. We’re thrilled to see his leadership recognized at the national level.”
Mr. Klein’s involvement with JA spans more than 20 years. He is also an Amazon No. 1 best-selling children’s book author, community volunteer, coach and leadership facilitator for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance’s Leadership for Five Seasons program.
