Delta Utilities Opens in JA BizTown

Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans is excited to celebrate the opening of Delta Utilities in JA BizTown, bringing real-world learning to life for students by highlighting the role of a natural gas company in the community, the infrastructure that delivers essential services, and the importance of gas safety, including awareness of gas lines and leaks.

The Delta Utilities storefront gives young people the opportunity to step into the role of utility professionals—making decisions, solving problems, and understanding how critical services support a thriving community. This hands-on experience helps students connect classroom learning to real careers and builds awareness of the systems that power everyday life.

We extend our sincere thanks to Tim Poché, CEO of Delta Utilities, for his leadership and commitment to investing in the next generation. We are also grateful to Sarah McLaughlin Porteous, JA Board Member and Vice President of Communications for Delta Utilities, whose advocacy and partnership continue to strengthen JA’s impact across our region.

A special thank you goes to Ashley Hawkins, Corporate Communications Manager, whose dedication and behind-the-scenes work helped bring the Delta Utilities shop to fruition and ensured students felt supported and inspired throughout the experience.

We also appreciate the enthusiastic volunteers from Liberty Bank, who helped us celebrate the opening and spent the day guiding students, asking thoughtful questions, and reinforcing the importance of financial and career readiness.

The inaugural students to experience the new Delta Utilities shop were from Emmett Gilbert School of Excellence in Avondale, Louisiana. Their curiosity, teamwork, and engagement made the day a true celebration of learning.

Together with partners like Delta Utilities and Liberty Bank, JA BizTown continues to prepare young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed—today and in the future.