JAG National Officers Reflect on Their Leadership Journey as They Prepare to Pass the Torch
As the 2025 National Career Development Conference (NCDC) approaches, the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) National Career Association (JAGCA) Officers reflect on a transformative year of leadership, growth, and impact. Since being elected by their peers at NCDC in April 2024, these young leaders have played an important role in advancing JAG’s mission, amplifying student voices, and strengthening professional opportunities for thousands of students nationwide.
For JAGCA President Frida Medrano Ibarra, the journey from her JAG classroom at Copper Canyon High School in Arizona to leading on the national stage has been nothing short of life-changing. “If it weren’t for JAG, I don’t think I would have truly experienced what a professional environment looks like,” she shared. As a national officer, Frida attended board meetings, engaged with corporate and government stakeholders, and represented JAG students in spaces where decisions about workforce development and student success are made.
Frida also had the opportunity to serve as the keynote speaker for JAG California’s Career Development Conference last month. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have attended California’s CDC! My favorite part of the conference was how immersive the workshops were, from cake decorating to creating balloon decorations. I loved getting to know the students and listening to their stories.”
JAGCA Parliamentarian Alontae Gross echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the adaptability required to lead at the national level. “I thought everything would be set in stone for us, but the reality is that things are constantly changing,” he said. “This experience has taught me to embrace challenges, adapt, and lean on my team for support.” Alontae recently traveled to JAG Tennessee’s Career Development Conference as their keynote speaker, sharing his journey with students and inspiring them to take full advantage of JAG’s opportunities.
Meanwhile, JAGCA Secretary Alondra Aguilera Luna shared how serving in a national leadership role shaped her personal and professional growth. “Being part of this team has changed how I am as a leader,” she said. “You never stop learning, and I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned from my fellow officers.” Earlier this month, Alondra attended JAG South Dakota’s Career Development Conference as their keynote speaker, where she engaged with students and learned about their unique experiences. “First and foremost, I wanted to say thank you all for being such amazing hosts,” she shared. “I had an incredible time learning more about JAG-SD and seeing how amazing they are doing.”
The preparation and dedication required to serve as a national officer cannot be understated. The team has spent countless hours crafting workshops, writing speeches, leading virtual sessions, and representing JAG at national events. “From the moment our eyes open in the morning until our heads hit the pillow at night, every part of our day is planned,” said President-Elect Austin Small, who will officially step into the JAGCA presidency at NCDC 2025. “It’s exhausting at times, but the impact we’ve had and the students we’ve met make it all worth it.” Austin is looking forward to carrying the torch forward and is set to deliver the keynote speech at JAG Michigan’s Career Development Conference in May.
One of the most rewarding aspects of serving as a national officer has been the relationships built along the way. Austin recalled meeting Frida for the first time when he was still a local JAG student in Louisiana. “We instantly clicked. We spent the whole time at the mall, eating ice cream, having conversations. JAG helps you find your family, and I truly believe your real family is the one you choose.”
As Frida, Alontae, and Alondra prepare to conclude their tenure and welcome a new generation of JAGCA leaders, they leave behind a legacy of service, professionalism, and inspiration. Their efforts have paved the way for students nationwide to see themselves as leaders, ready to step up and shape their futures.
The 2025 National Career Development Conference will be a defining moment for JAG students as new officers are elected and Austin transitions into the presidency. But as these outgoing officers have demonstrated, JAG is more than just a program—it’s a launchpad for leadership, growth, and lifelong success.
For more information about JAGCA and its student leadership opportunities, visit https://jag.org/jag-career-association/.