10 Things About Linda O’Connell & Junior Achievement San Diego

May 19, 2023

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“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak….. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
– Winston Churchill

Junior Achievement (JA) of San Diego County inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. Through experiential learning, Junior Achievement San Diego impacts over 21,000 students each year equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to achieve future success. Linda O’Connell serves as the Chief of Staff for Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

#1 I grew up in Burbank and moved to San Diego to attend San Diego State…. Go Aztecs!

#2 My husband Neil served in the Marine Corps for over 30 years and is still an incredible example of service before self. We met when I was 19 years old, and he has made me a better person.

#3 I love any warm beach where I can put my toes in the sand, but the water has to be pretty warm for me to actually get in!

#4 We are so lucky to live in America, eventually I would like to visit every state, I have been to 29, so I have some work to do.

#5 I would like to take our family to Sicily so they can meet our extended family and enjoy the beauty and food of the region.

#6 Bailey is our 10-year-old black lab. We get up at 5:30 every morning to get our walk in but really she is just ready to eat!

#7 I believe giving back allows everyone to feel gratitude, both the giver and the receiver. It brings people together and tends to be contagious whether we give time or treasure, both are needed to make an impact!

#8 In 2009, while working at Union Bank I was asked to help get our team involved in Junior Achievement and did not really know much about JA. By the end of the year, I became a believer and was recognized as Volunteer Coordinator of the Year at Junior Achievement.

#9 Junior Achievement does not just touch our kids for the day, the personal finance skills they learn and the access to programs and mentors help to empower all of our young people with knowledge and tools to be successful in their life.

#10 Programs such as the McGrath Family JA BizTown and Mission Fed JA Finance Park provide students with the foundational knowledge in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.

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