Janelle Duray

I lead Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) with a simple belief: youth voice isn’t symbolic—it’s strategic. For 15+ years I’ve worked alongside Governors, Fortune 100 leaders, educators, and—most importantly—young people to build systems that work for students. At JAG, our students don’t just “prepare” for the future of work. They’re shaping it. We start with innate strengths—curiosity, leadership, problem-solving—and match them with real opportunities. The result: higher graduation, stronger employment, and pathways that honor identity and industry.We’re scaling what works: mentoring, career associations, employer partnerships, and data-driven support. Because the skills gap isn’t an abstract headline—it’s an $11.5T opportunity when we listen to youth and invest accordingly. I’m committed to turning potential into power—at scale. Let’s build a future worthy of our young people.