STATE CAREER ASSOCIATION

STATE CAREER ASSOCIATION

The State Career Association (SCA) officers serve as advisors and advocates for their peers, supporting more than 10,000 iJAG students statewide. These leaders are committed to providing tools, resources, and support that strengthen the iJAG experience and unlock the potential of all students.

The SCA is focused on two key priorities for the 2026-2027 school year:

Ensuring a consistent iJAG experience, no matter the size of the school. The State Career Association will develop and facilitate conversations and resources to share across districts to promote successful strategies for engagement, opportunity, and student voice.
Furthering a deeper understanding of iJAG to raise student awareness and perception. The State Career Association will raise student awareness through social media and partner with local Career Associations to conduct outreach and recruit new iJAG students.

See the full list of student events coming up this year and be sure to follow iJAG on Instagram for special updates from the SCA.

Meet your Iowa officers!

JaLiyah Hubbard

SCA President
Dubuque Senior High School

"After high school, I plan to attend college and pursue a career as an ultrasound technician. I am excited to work in healthcare, help patients, and continue building the skills needed to make a positive impact on others."

Tavin Coleman

SCA Vice President
GMG High School

"After high school, I plan to attend Iowa State University to get a degree in Computer Science, with a minor in AI. With this degree, I hope to become an expert in my field."

Marissa Niyonsaba

SCA Secretary
Saydel High School

"I am currently earning my Associate's degree while in high school, then plan on transferring to Iowa State to pursue a degree in interior design and build a career creating inspiring spaces."

Eden Etse

SCA Parliamentarian
Storm Lake High School

"I plan to major in Political Science in college. My goal is to become an attorney who specializes in juvenile justice.”

iJAG Alumni Serving as JAG National Officers

Alontae Gross

NCA Parliamentarian:

2024 - 2025

DSM North High School
Class of 2023
Favorite iJAG memory:
Being selected as the first-ever SCA President. It was an achievement I never thought possible. Winning this title and making history showed me that I’m capable of being a leader and that my hard work does not go unrecognized.

Kira Canada

NCA President:

2023 - 2024

Waukee High School
Class of 2023

Favorite iJAG memory:
Assembling and distributing care bags to homeless people in shelters around the city.

2023-2024 National Career Association President, Iowa’s Kira Canada!

From Des Moines to D.C., Kira Canada is trailblazing her own path. As the President of the National Career Association (NCA), this iJAG alum is helping influence career development programming and the JAG student experience nationwide.

Favorite iJAG memory: “Assembling and distributing care bags to homeless people in shelters around the city.”

iJAG experience that has helped you the most: “Not winning a student competition at the state Career Development Conference. It was the best loss I ever took because I ended up becoming the first-ever President-elect for the NCA. When one door closes, another opens!”

Career aspirations: Criminal defense attorney

Role model: Michelle Obama

Starbucks drink: Venti iced blonde shaken espresso with caramel syrup, vanilla sweet cream cold foam, and extra caramel drizzle!

“Kira represents Iowa with grace, poise and conviction. Her passion and care for students shines through everywhere she goes – whether that be a national conference in Orlando or a local high school funcion. Students just flock to her!” – President & CEO Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold

Watch a special feature about Kira on WHO-TV.