News release
JCI California announced that JCI Santa Clarita President Kari McCoy has been named one of JCI USA’s 2026 Ten Outstanding Young Americans, the organization’s most distinguished national honors.
The Ten Outstanding Young Americans program recognizes individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 whose achievements demonstrate exceptional leadership, service and contributions to society, said a news release from JCI Santa Clarita.
The program traces its history to 1938, when the United States Jaycees began publishing the annual selections. Over its long history, its honorees have included future U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton, as well as Elvis Presley, Howard Hughes, Christopher Reeve, Al Gore and Gale Sayers.
“Watching Kari navigate all of life’s obstacles with dignity and grace is impressive, but it’s how she manages to tackle those things while also delivering excellence in her personal, professional, educational, and philanthropic work that leaves me in awe of her. She’s someone to whom young people can aspire to emulate, just like so many of the TOYA recipients before her. I’m proud of her for continuing that legacy and celebrate her being honored by JCI USA,” Jimmy McCoy said of his wife, Kari, in the release.
Jimmy is currently serving as the 99th President of the California Jaycees and represents California domestically and internationally.
Among Kari McCoy’s most ambitious community initiatives is the founding of LEAP Children’s Museum, an effort to bring a permanent children’s museum to the Santa Clarita Valley, the release said.
McCoy has worked to build the initiative from the ground up, creating pop-up children’s museum experiences, fundraising events and community partnerships designed both to provide hands-on educational experiences for local families and to build momentum toward a permanent museum.
McCoy also co-created Get Real: Adulting 101, an immersive financial literacy and life-skills program that has served more than 750 students in the William S. Hart Union High School District, the release said.
The program introduces students to real-world financial decisions involving careers, housing, transportation, budgeting and other responsibilities they will encounter as young adults.
Her commitment to the veteran community has also led to the creation of the Santa Clarita Veterans Resource Fair, which has served more than 150 veterans by bringing together organizations and agencies providing education, employment, benefits and other resources in one accessible community event, according to the release.
Professionally, McCoy works as a veterans counselor, helping military-connected students navigate higher education and the transition from military service to their academic and career goals. She is currently pursuing a doctor of education in educational leadership at California State University, Northridge, with her academic work focusing on artificial intelligence in education.
McCoy also serves on a California State University task force focused on generative artificial intelligence, has served as a fellow at CSUN, and has presented on artificial intelligence within the CSU system. Beyond higher education, she has worked with nonprofits and organizational departments to develop practical strategies for implementing AI responsibly and effectively.
Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a worldwide leadership organization for young people ages 18 to 40. JCI USA is part of an international network spanning more than 100 countries and provides members with opportunities to develop leadership skills through hands-on community projects, professional development, entrepreneurship and international collaboration. Its mission is to provide leadership development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.
The 2026 Ten Outstanding Young Americans ceremony was held Sept. 12 in Virginia Beach as part of the JCI USA Annual Meeting. Honorees were selected through a national judging process recognizing achievement across areas including academic leadership, humanitarian and voluntary leadership, contributions to children and human rights, entrepreneurship, and scientific and technological development.
