Kira Canada

Bio

Kira Canada is the National Career Association President. Kira is a 2023 graduate of Waukee High School in Waukee, Iowa. 

Kira has participated in JAG for four years. She was President of Lincoln High School for three years and Career Association President at Waukee High School during her senior year. Kira was also a member of the National Honor Society, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and the National Society of High School Scholars. She engaged in many other activities, including varsity girls’ basketball, all four years of her high school career.

She plans to attend Des Moines Area Community College for one year to earn her associate’s degree, then attends a historically black college or university (HBCU) and study criminal justice to become a criminal defense attorney.

Kira currently works as a server at Olive Garden and is a nanny.

Kira’s story:

I have been a part of JAG since my first year of high school. My first Specialist, Ms. Jalynn Roberts-Lewis, visited my Spanish class one day to inform students about JAG and encouraged us to join. Although I did not know precisely what it was, I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of JAG because of the friendly, kind-hearted, and welcoming face that encouraged me to join. Everything she described aligned perfectly with what I wanted to spend my high school career doing. I always knew I would go to college, but I knew I needed help getting there, and JAG was the perfect opportunity for that.

I spend much of my time in the JAG classroom connecting with Specialists and students to see how I can be a resource to others and improve their lives. The JAG classroom has indeed been a safe place for me at school. I have made many friends, connections, and memories in my JAG classroom and within the entire JAG network that could not have been made anywhere else.

Not only has JAG been a helpful course to enhance my learning, but it has become my life and my family. My JAG family has helped me on my worst days and celebrated me on my best. The three outstanding Specialists I’ve had: Ms. Roberts-Lewis, Ms. Burkhall, and Ms. Snodgrass, have each impacted me in a significant and truly special way. They are called “Specialists” for a reason. I am beyond grateful for my JAG family and the experiences and opportunities I have received from this organization. Most importantly, I am thankful for the relationships I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned that will last a lifetime. I genuinely do not know where I would be without JAG.

As a member of JAG, I have learned leadership skills and how to advocate for myself. It has helped me improve my professionalism, communication, and networking skills. Furthermore, it shaped me into the leader I am today. I am thankful to be a young leader and have the opportunity to advocate for students, especially those who look like me and don’t have access to opportunities that more privileged students may have. I want to inspire students across the nation and uplift students’ voices because we are the future.

I am excited to continue into the second year of my term and serve as your 2023-2024 NCA President. Being a part of the first-ever National Career Association team was an honor. I am excited to serve another year and lead the new officer team and students. I cannot wait to see what this year has in store. I hope to connect to as many students and Specialists throughout the nation and continue to create the legacy that JAG has long awaited.