JA Worldwide Announces Third LEAD Cohort

July 16, 2026

JA Worldwide is pleased to announce the selection of six outstanding leaders for the third cohort of the Leader Exchange and Development (LEAD) Program for JA member CEOs and Executive Directors. Chosen from an exceptionally strong and highly competitive applicant pool, these leaders represent some of the very best of the global JA network and will participate in a year-long leadership experience designed to foster learning, collaboration, and global connection. Meet the latest cohort:

Edem Amesu-Addor, Executive Director, Junior Achievement Ghana

Edem Amesu-Addor is Executive Director of JA Ghana and an international development leader with more than two decades of experience in governance, public financial management, and institutional strengthening. His career includes senior leadership roles with USAID, GIZ, World Vision, Oxfam, SNV, and Right To Play, managing complex donor-funded initiatives throughout West Africa. Edem is recognized for building strategic partnerships, strengthening public institutions, and advancing inclusive development. His extensive experience in resource mobilization, public policy, and organizational leadership positions him to bring a unique international development perspective to the LEAD cohort.

Betty Garger, President & CEO, Junior Achievement of New York

Betty Garger has served as President and CEO of Junior Achievement of New York since 2021, leading one of JA's largest operations serving New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley. She works closely with the board, staff, and thousands of volunteers to deliver more than 65,000 student learning experiences annually while expanding the organization's strategic impact.

Before joining JA, Betty led Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, overseeing leadership programs for more than 24,000 girls, multiple regional offices, and camp properties. Her background in communications, nonprofit leadership, and financial education advocacy provides her with deep experience in organizational growth, volunteer engagement, and mission-driven leadership.

Tove Jarl, CEO, Junior Achievement Sweden

Tove Jarl serves as CEO of JA Sweden and is an accomplished executive recognized for her leadership in entrepreneurship, public policy, and organizational development. Prior to joining JA Sweden, she founded and led a successful analytics consultancy and held senior leadership positions in business advocacy, public policy analysis, and economic development.

With academic backgrounds in economics, business, political science, and languages, Tove brings exceptional strategic and analytical capabilities. Her recognition as one of Sweden's Future Female Leaders reflects both her leadership potential and commitment to empowering young people through entrepreneurship.

Hau Yee Ng, Founder & Executive Director, Junior Achievement of Singapore

Hau Yee Ng founded Junior Achievement Singapore and has led the organization since its inception in 2008. Under her leadership, JA Singapore has served more than 310,000 students with the support of over 27,000 volunteers, building a strong reputation for experiential learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy. Before launching JA Singapore, Hau Yee enjoyed a distinguished corporate finance career culminating in senior regional leadership positions. An MIT graduate with an MBA from Columbia Business School, she combines entrepreneurial thinking, financial expertise, and global leadership experience.

Deborah Revilla Sánchez, Executive Director, Junior Achievement Peru

Deborah Revilla Sánchez is Executive Director of Junior Achievement Peru, where she has led an impressive period of organizational transformation since 2022. Under her leadership, JA Peru has dramatically expanded its reach while strengthening governance, fundraising, innovation, and strategic partnerships across government, business, and civil society. A former JA student herself, Deborah brings experience from World Vision Peru and other nonprofit leadership roles. She combines a strong focus on organizational sustainability with a passion for unlocking human potential through education, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and employability.

Yasmine Wilson, Managing Director, INJAZ Egypt

Yasmine Wilson is Managing Director of INJAZ Egypt, where she leads strategic efforts to prepare young people for success through entrepreneurship, work readiness, financial literacy, and innovation. During more than 14 years with the organization, she has strengthened institutional capacity, expanded strategic partnerships, and advanced sustainable organizational growth. Her leadership has been recognized internationally through selection as both a JA Worldwide Fellow and a participant in the Women's Global Women in Management program. Recipient of the 2024 Emerging Women Leader in Education Award, Yasmine is passionate about creating innovative educational opportunities for Egypt's next generation.

The selection process was particularly challenging this year due to the number and quality of applications received from across the JA network. Every applicant demonstrated impressive leadership potential and a commitment to advancing JA’s mission. We congratulate this exceptional group of leaders and look forward to the insights, friendships, and cross-border collaborations that will emerge through their participation in LEAD. Their selection reflects not only their individual accomplishments but also the strength and depth of leadership throughout the OneJA community. Learn more about LEAD.