On September 30, 2025, the Regional Business Council and STL.Works hosted a Construction and Manufacturing event highlighting the growing career opportunities within these high-demand industries. JAG leaders and Specialists were honored with special recognition for their impactful role in promoting pathways in construction and manufacturing to Missouri youth.
The event featured distinguished guests, including CEOs from McCarthy Construction, Boeing, and CK Power, as well as educational leader Dr. Art McCoy. These leaders emphasized the importance of workforce development, youth engagement in skilled trades, the integration of career skills into public education, the use of AI to improve safety and human efficiency, and the cultivation of power skills necessary for long-term success. This acknowledgment reinforces JAG’s commitment to preparing students for high-wage, high-skill careers.
JAG Members represented from left to right in photo: Jana Loftis, Mayra Santander, Jeff Berry, Dr. Teresa Badgett, Kelly Mulderig
Testimonials
Born into a family where addiction was a generational struggle, Destany Massey faced her own battles with substance abuse and a life lacking direction. Determined to break free from the cycle of trauma and hardship, she sought a different path. That path led her to the JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates Missouri) program, a turning point she never saw coming. With the unwavering support of the program and her teacher, Destany found purpose, healing, and hope.
“JAG and my teacher literally saved my life,” she shares. Through resilience and determination, Destany overcame addiction, broke the chains of a painful past, and transformed her life into a story of success and the promise of a brighter future.
I felt hopeless because no matter what I did, I thought the future I wanted was too far out of reach. I wasn’t smart enough or rich enough to live the life I wanted. Because of this, at the age of 15, I exploded. Everything parents pray their child isn’t doing, I was, or I was trying to. In the midst of this self destruction, the greatest opportunity came up and shook my hand. I went from dropping out to picking up my cap and gown. JAG didn’t save my life, it taught me how to save my own.
JAG has been a life changer.
JAG pushes us out of our comfort zone. It has truly helped me find my voice. I have learned how to voice my opinions the right way – when to speak and when to listen. Without JAG I have no doubt I would still be living my old life. I wish I could have found my voice sooner, but the important thing now is: I have found it, and I will never let it go.
Before I joined JAG, I was lost. JAG provided assistance in pinpointing a career and making steps in order to pursue it. My JAG Specialist motivated me to make connections and to continue my education in the emergency response industry. JAG has changed my life!
