Creating a healthier world through youth leadership.
We partner with young people to strengthen their mental well-being, build self-awareness, and develop the confidence to lead in their communities.
Our Impact
JAIA youth transform themselves, their peers, and their communities.
3,500+
Youth Impact Reached Today
30+
Partner Network Growing
270
Hours of Leadership Growth
5,100
Hours of Wellness Learning
Why Youth Need Us
Young people are navigating anxiety, pressure, identity challenges, and environments that often lack emotional support.
Many do not have a safe place to express themselves, learn about mental health, or develop the skills that allow them to thrive at school, at home, and in their future careers.
We give them that space.
Through evidence-based practices, mentorship, and consistent community, youth learn how to understand themselves, communicate with others, and make decisions aligned with their values.
What We Do
Mindful Leaders Institute
Youth build self awareness, practice social emotional learning, and step into leadership through community projects, coaching, and structured support designed to strengthen confidence and purpose.
Healthy Mind, Healthy Vibes
Participants explore emotional awareness, creative expression, and teamwork through an arts based wellness program that helps reduce stress, build connection, and support healthier daily habits.
Training Programs
JAIA offers training programs that strengthen leadership skills for both youth and adults. These programs support young people stepping into facilitation roles and guide adults who want to deepen their impact when working with youth.
Stories of Change
A young person once seen as a problem student became a workshop leader who helped design and facilitate a mental health workshop and conference for her peers. Her school saw her in a new light and committed new funding to social emotional learning because of her growth.
Another JAIA participant entered college feeling out of place. She later became an elected student leader and now helps others navigate racial healing and identity with the tools she learned at JAIA.
These stories are not exceptions. They are what happens when youth are seen, supported, and trusted.
Meet Our Founder
Gena Jefferson, CEO and Founder
Gena was once the young person she now serves.
As a NYC educator, social worker, and interfaith minister, she saw firsthand the emotional challenges young people carry and how little space they have to process them.
She created JAIA to offer something different.
A place for healing.
A place for leadership.
A place where young people can understand themselves deeply and build the skills to change their communities.
Support Our Work
Your support helps us continue offering stipends, leadership training, retreats, and transformational programs to youth who need it most.