Top 200 Workplaces in Minnesota!
At Junior Achievement North, we teach students that what happens outside the classroom matters just as much as what happens inside it. The same could be said about the workplace. The daily interactions, shared purpose, and collective commitment to our work shapes who we are not just what we do. Today, this mindset was recognized in a meaningful way.
We’re pleased to share that Junior Achievement North has been named one of the Minnesota Star Tribune’s Top 200 Workplaces for 2026!
A Place Where Purpose & People Meet
This recognition is especially significant because it comes directly from our team. The Top Workplaces award is based entirely on employee feedback, measuring engagement, organizational health, and satisfaction—what it really feels like to show up to work each day and be part of something bigger.
Out of more than 10,500 invited organizations across Minnesota, those selected reflect what’s possible when people feel heard, valued, and connected to a shared mission. Junior Achievement North was one of 70 small businesses selected, and we ranked 17th
Built by Our Team, for Our Mission
If you’ve ever spent time at our Experiential Learning Center in St. Paul, or in one of our classrooms across the region, you’ve likely seen it firsthand: a team that shows up with energy, creativity, and a belief in what’s possible for every student.
That same spirit carries into how we work together each day.
Celebrating Leadership That Listens
Alongside this organizational recognition, we’re proud to celebrate Sara Dziuk, President & CEO of Junior Achievement North, who received one of three Top Workplaces Leadership Awards.
This special honor highlights leaders who embody what it means to build a strong, people-first culture. Leaders like Sara listen, inspire, and create an environment where individuals and teams can thrive.
For Sara, this recognition is grounded in something simple and powerful: trust from her team. As she recently shared, the award is especially meaningful because it reflects the confidence and belief of the people she works alongside every day.
Under her leadership, JA North has continued to grow its impact while staying rooted in its mission—ensuring young people gain the skills, confidence, and connections to build bright futures.
More Than a Workplace
Top Workplaces recognition is a “badge of honor,” because it represents authentic employee voices and a culture where people are empowered to contribute and grow. Being named a Top Workplace is worth celebrating, but for us, it’s also a reflection point.
It affirms the importance of:
- Listening to our team,
- Investing in a strong culture
- Staying connected to purpose
- Showing up for each other and for students, every single day
Because ultimately, our workplace culture isn’t separate from our mission; it’s what drives the mission forward.
To our team: thank you. Your passion, dedication, and belief in young people are what make Junior Achievement North not just a great place to work, but a place where impact happens every day.
And to our partners, volunteers, and community: thank you for being part of this journey with us. We’re just getting started!