Leadership
Sharon Earnest Executive Director - Staff
Growing up, I wanted to be a Missionary and Police Officer/Criminologist.
If I owned a business, it would be Super Errands, I enjoy staying busy and running errands, so why not do it for others? Seems like a good fit.
My favorite quote is "To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world", Quote by Bill Wilson
When I'm not at work, I love being a Mammaw, traveling, hunting, reading a good book and playing with my Monster Puppy aka Hadley, she's a giant Standard Poodle.
What I remember most about elementary school is... the lifelong friends that I made and Science class.
If I could have any job for one day, I would want to be Criminologist! I really enjoy the science of it all.
I love working at JA because Knowing that I can play a small part of helping development the minds of children, be a positive role model and help them become successful adults is a lifelong reward. Also, knowing that our students can one day positively influence our community by using their foundation in economic skills learned through Junior Achievement!
Plus JA has the best volunteers!
I am a Texas native. Born in Sweetwater and lived all over Texas growing up. I moved to Abilene in early of 1983 and pursued a career in engineering with General Dynamics/Lockheed for 13 years. In 1996 I went to work for the American Heart Association for 10 years, grew there and became the Regional Director. In 2005 I joined the CPA Firm Condley and Company, LLP as Marketing/Business Development Manager. I graduated with Honors and earned three degrees from Wayland Baptist University; a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Education, an Associates in Business Law and an Associates in Occupational Technology. My passion is to always be kind, it doesn't take an ounce of energy! In January 2020, I began my career with Junior Achievement!!!!
I have two sons Slade and Kyler, two daughters-in-law Rachel and Shelby and 5 grandchildren, 3 boys- Kyle, Mason and Aedan and two girls- Ellie and Emmy. I am an avid hunter and really enjoy traveling and spending time with my dog Hadley.
Amber McKinney Education Manager - Education
I am a born and raised Texan! I moved from Panhandle in 1997, Abilene is my hometown, and we are currently Hawley Bearcats. Growing up I wanted to be a microbiologist, and I became a mom and teacher. I enjoy spending time with my kiddos and getting involved in our communities. I have the best job when I can blend all of my joys together every day.
What I remember most about elementary school is meeting my best friends on the merry go round. True friends are hard to find and we were blessed to recently celebrate 30 years!
If I could have any job for one day, I would want to be a distinguished poet, more specifically to work aside Emily Dickinson.
I am excited to work with Junior Achievement Abilene. The organization has a meaningful mission, inspiring so many, and leaving a lasting impression. I will continue the mission and develop our youth through education and encourage them for lifelong success. Watching our youth grow, by using the skills provided by Junior Achievement, is rewarding and a blessing.
“In learning, you will teach, and in teaching, you will learn.” – Phil Collins
As the Education Manager I also have the privilege to connect and collaborate with community partners, educators, and volunteers. Without each of these important roles, our goals and mission would not be possible. I look forward to growing these connections and making new ones. Junior Achievement Abilene does have the best!
When I'm not at work, I love being Mom to my amazing kiddos! My son Jake lives in Lubbock and attends Texas Tech University. My daughter Alexandria has recently become a young entrepreneur and we started a mom & daughter hat bar & craft business. I enjoy making memories with them, enjoy outdoors, hunting, and our fur babies. My career and calling has involved retail, customer service, or mentoring the youth.
One of my favorite quotes is, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller.
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