Authenticity and Action
A few months ago, several members of the Empowered team traveled to Montana to meet with educators, observe a student pitch competition, and explore new ways to deepen our partnership with the Montana Chamber of Commerce. We left inspired by the creativity of Big Sky Country’s teachers and students, and by the incredible work of our very own Montana-based teammate, Jim Masker.
If you’ve ever met Jim at a workshop or event, you remember him. Towering above the crowd with an easy smile, Jim is always engaged, always ready with an insightful comment or probing question. What you might not realize is that Jim probably remembers you, too. His authenticity and commitment to people are trademarks of the way he approaches life.
Long before Empowered officially arrived in Montana, Jim was already helping plant the seeds that would make our statewide impact possible. In the mid-2010s, programs like One Montana’s Rural-Urban Student Entrepreneur Exchange and the Montana Teenpreneur Roundup were helping students explore how business and entrepreneurship could strengthen their communities. Recognizing the potential, Jim collaborated with the Montana Chamber Foundation and Empowered (then Youth Entrepreneurs) to launch a two-day workshop in 2018 that introduced our strategies to educators across the state.
That workshop was a turning point. With the Chamber Foundation’s support, six innovative teachers took Empowered back to their classroom. By 2019, more than 50 educators had joined the movement. Thanks to Jim’s leadership and his continued collaboration with the Montana Chamber, Empowered has connected with over 600 educators statewide.
Well-Deserved Recognition
Jim’s impact reaches far beyond a single classroom or program. He was a driving force for what became “The Prospects” a K–12 business competition, Cultivating Careers events, and statewide teacher professional development. These efforts have helped Montana students earn recognition at both state and national levels, and more importantly, discover confidence in their own ideas and abilities.
For his extraordinary leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to empowering educators and students alike, the Montana Business Educators’ Association recently presented Jim Masker with their 2025 Distinguished Service Award and we couldn’t be prouder! Jim’s work exemplifies what Empowered stands for: helping individuals discover their potential, embrace challenge, and create value for others. His legacy will continue to shape not only Montana’s classrooms but the hearts and minds of the countless educators and students he’s inspired along the way.
Useful Links
If you found this article helpful, we encourage you to go deeper:
- Help grow the Empowered Community – click here (or share the link with teacher friends) to get started.
- Sign up for our Educator Emails to get regular updates of our newest and featured products and offerings.
- Learn more about Empowered Hub – our free, 24/7/365 platform full of classroom activities and teacher resources.
