JA Alumni Take Center Stage on 2 Minute Drill

December 10, 2025

JA alumni stepped onto the 2 Minute Drill stage for an exclusive JA alumni-only episode for the show’s seventh season. In addition to remarkable companies, they brought bold ideas, sharp storytelling, and the kind of confidence that comes from gaining real entrepreneurial experience. Hosted by entrepreneur and JA USA alumnus David Meltzer, the episode challenged five alumni to pitch their ventures in only 120 seconds. Each founder walked onto the set knowing the stakes: communicate a clear vision, demonstrate real value, and compete for US$50,000 in funding and mentorship.

Sarah Rapp, JA Worldwide’s Director of Youth Advocacy and People, joined the panel of judges and championed the voices of young innovators shaping the future. Her presence underscored JA’s commitment to creating global visibility for alumni who lead with purpose and creativity. Professional skateboarder, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Greg Lutzka and serial entrepreneur, author, and wealth creation expert Rob Gill joined Sarah and David on the judges panel.

Season 7 JA Alumni Contestants

• Bradley Smith, Vinci Learning, Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio (USA) alumnus
  Connect with Bradley on Gather and LinkedIn

• Rayane Beddou, EcoFiber, INJAZ Algeria alumnus
  Connect with Rayane on Gather and LinkedIn

• Hazza Al Hajji, Carrd, INJAZ UAE alumnus
  Connect with Hazza on LinkedIn

• Rick Li, Prodex Labs, Junior Achievement of Boston (USA) alumnus
  Connect with Rick on LinkedIn

• Marcella Bertoluci, Reconquista, JA Brazil alumna
  Connect with Marcella on Gather and LinkedIn

Winner: Bradley Smith, Vinci Learning

Bradley captured the top spot with Vinci Learning, a venture that strengthens financial literacy through solutions that feel practical, engaging, and rooted in real-life decision-making. Vinci partners with financial advocacy groups, educators, and parents who want young people to gain confidence with money and set strong financial foundations.

Vinci’s award-winning game, Wayz to Wealth, draws players into a budgeting simulation where they select careers, navigate financial choices, manage unexpected life events, and witness the long-term effects of each decision. Classrooms and community organizations use the game to turn financial learning into something memorable and easy to grasp. Learn more.

After watching the pitches unfold, Sarah reflected on what these experiences mean for young leaders and their ventures.

“When young people gain a global stage, they don’t just pitch ideas, they show us the future we’re all stepping into. Watching our alumni step into that kind of visibility on TV feels incredible. It reminds us how powerful it feels when someone’s idea, courage, and story are witnessed by the world. These moments open doors that can shape entire journeys.”

Why 2 Minute Drill Matters

By featuring JA alumni in an exclusive episode, 2 Minute Drill elevates young people’s ideas, many of which began in a classroom, a local competition, or a regional accelerator, and places them in front of investors, partners, and mentors who spark growth at a global level. Compressing a business vision into two minutes forces precision, helping alumni sharpen their storytelling, refine their value proposition, and communicate impact with confidence. A JA alumni-only episode also strengthens a global network rooted in shared values and shared purpose, creating connections among alumni from different regions, industries, and backgrounds that last far beyond the show.

And the prize matters. Up to US$50,000 in funding, mentorship, and visibility transforms momentum into real opportunity.

Bradley now joins previous JA alumni winners INJAZ UAE alumna Afrah Shuja, JA Canada alumna Nadia Ladak, and JA Canada alumnus Clint Cadio, who each leveraged their 2 Minute Drill experience to accelerate their ventures.

Check out Sarah’s behind-the-scenes look at her experience as a 2 Minute Drill judge: