10/09/2026
A proud and bittersweet moment took place last night at the 22nd Annual JA Stock Market Challenge.
Junior Achievement of Southern California President & CEO Les McCabe recognized Burgandie Onekea for her outstanding commitment and leadership to Junior Achievement of Orange County & Inland Empire and shared the news of her next chapter.
On November 1, Burgandie will return home to Hawaiʻi to serve as President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Hawaii.
Born and raised on Oʻahu, Burgandie’s return is deeply personal. She brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a strong belief in Junior Achievement’s ability to help young people see possibilities for their futures and believe those possibilities are within reach.
During her tenure with JA of Southern California, Burgandie helped expand the region’s reach, strengthen its leadership and community partnerships, and grow student impact. In Orange County, annual student experiences increased from approximately 4,000 in 2020 to more than 31,000. She also helped build a strong regional team; grow, strengthen, and engage the Orange County & Inland Empire boards, open a dedicated Inland Empire office thanks to board member Eric L. Goodman, & increase the region’s budget from approximately $450,000 to more than $1.2 million.
“The numbers tell only part of the story,” Burgandie said. “What matters most is the young people reached & the people who came together to make that possible. I’m grateful for everyone who believed in this work & built alongside me.”
As Burgandie prepares for her transition, JA Orange County & Inland Empire is pleased to share its interim regional leadership. Effective October 31, Destiny Lara, FSA will serve as Interim Director for Orange County, and Sandy Mitchell will serve as Interim Director for the Inland Empire. Also a big part of this leadership team is Rebecca Theranciel who serves as the development lead. They will lead their respective regions and teams, continuing the organization’s work with schools, volunteers, community partners, and students.
“This isn’t goodbye to JA,” Burgandie said. “It’s simply a new place to serve.”
“As I begin this next chapter, I want everyone who has been part of JA here in California to know how grateful I am. To my board members, educators, volunteers, partners, donors, mentors, colleagues, & friends: thank you for your belief in our young people, your generosity, & the many ways you show up for this mission. What we built together will always be part of my story. You will always be part of my JA ʻohana. Mahalo for walking this journey with me.”
JA OCIE is in excellent hands. With Destiny and Sandy leading their regions and an outstanding staff, board, & community of partners behind them, the team is well positioned to carry this work forward and continue creating meaningful opportunities for students.
Please join us in congratulating Burgandie and welcoming Destiny and Sandy into their interim leadership roles.
