Helping Youth Strengthen Their Voice, Wellbeing, and Leadership
JAIA is a personal development and leadership organization for teens and young adults ages 16 to 21.
Our Mission
Our mission is to partner and co create with youth to promote healthier and safer communities through transformative personal and leadership development.
We imagine a world where the voices of young people are valued, trusted, and included in the work of building stronger, more compassionate communities.
Meet Our Founder
Gena Jefferson, CEO and Founder
Gena has spent more than two decades working with youth as an educator, social worker, interfaith minister, and psychotherapist in the New York City Public School system.
She was once the young person she now serves, and her lived experience shapes every part of JAIA’s work.
Throughout her career, she saw how many teens struggled with anxiety, identity, pressure at home, and challenges they had no space to process. She also saw how powerful it was when young people were invited to share their stories, discover their tools, and build trust with adults who listened.
JAIA grew from that understanding.
A place where youth can heal, grow, lead, and be seen.
Our Approach
We believe that transformation begins within the individual and radiates outward into families, schools, and communities. Our work is built on three interconnected practices.
Our Story
JAIA began in NYC schools as a series of personal development workshops called Life Lessons created and led by Gena.
The demand for youth centered emotional and leadership support grew quickly and in 2014 JAIA became a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
Over the years the work expanded.
The Youth Leadership Council was formed.
Community Empowerment Workshops were launched.
The Mindful Leaders Institute added a full year of personal development in response to youth's voice.
The Peer Education Program and Summer Youth Employment Program followed.
Partnerships grew with schools, city agencies, and research institutions.
Youth began leading, creating, and facilitating programs themselves
Today JAIA continues to evolve in response to what young people share about their needs, their challenges, and their vision for the future.
Support Our Work
Your support helps us continue offering stipends, leadership training, retreats, and transformational programs to youth who need it most.