How Christian Francis Turned Opportunity Into Action
When Christian Francis walked across the graduation stage at South Gwinnett High School in May 2025, he wasn’t just closing the chapter on his high school years- he was stepping boldly into a future built by purpose, persistence, and the power of opportunity.
From Christian’s first JA experience in middle school to earning over $23,000 in scholarships, his journey reflects everything Junior Achievement of Georgia stands for: equipping students with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience to prepare for their future.
Voya employees surround Christian (Green Shirt), to celebrate their newest scholarship recipient.
“Junior Achievement of Georgia entered my life back in middle school—and to this day, I can’t name anything or anyone that has impacted me more,” Christian shared. “JA gave me mentors, teachers, friends, and ultimately, a second family. It laid the foundation for so much of what I’ve accomplished in my life.”
Christian’s JA story spans the full student experience. From being the CEO of Cisco during his 6th grade trip to JA BizTown to presenting to Equifax executives as a high school 3DE senior, Christian’s resume is already booming. His leadership, drive, and curiosity set him apart throughout high school, resulting in his selection as one of the inaugural Nineteen Under Nineteen Students to Watch, a new way JA of Georgia is recognizing rising stars across the state.
Christian is the first student in JA of Georgia history to earn over $20,000 in scholarships through his involvement in JA and 3DE opportunities. His awards included scholarships from Protiviti, VOYA, and JA of Georgia itself. His scholarships become a testament to how much Christian’s dedication and leadership stood out to corporate and community partners.
Christian spoke at the 2025 JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame.
“JA didn’t just open doors—it handed me the keys,” Christian said. “From one-on-ones with industry leaders like T. Dallas Smith to attending the JA Atlanta Business Hall of Fame, I gained the real-world experience that set me apart.”
After graduation, Christian took the lessons he learned and turned them into action. In just his first month out of high school, he became Operations Manager at Fingerz, a local restaurant, while also stepping into a Marketing Intern role with Venuiti Solutions, a JA of Georgia corporate partner.
His 3DE School Director, Nikki Thornton, said it best:
“Christian embodies the qualities of a future leader—intelligent, driven, and principled. He has a rare mix of motivation, creativity, and compassion. He doesn’t just dream…he builds.”
Christian’s journey is proof of what’s possible when students are given the chance to explore, create, and lead in meaningful ways. At JA of Georgia, we’re proud to have been a part of his story, and me encourage you to watch to see what he builds next.