Born in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 16, joyce legally changed her name to all lowercase letters. Her more than 40 years of professional experience range from special education teacher to elected official, organizational consultant, leadership coach, and higher education administrator. Currently, she serves as The Princess of Best Gurl inc, providing customized solutions for corporations, education, and non-profits that lead to improved performance. She is the author of Why Are They Following Me? A Guide to Effective Leadership, What Am I Supposed To Say? An Unconventional Guide to Transformative Leadership, and How Do I Build It? Shaping Successful Organizational Culture and Strategies. She served as the 2021 President for Impact100 of Northwest Florida and is the Past Chair of the Jule Collins Smith Museum Advisory Board. She has served on or Chaired Arts, Education, Community, Civic, and Professional Association Boards throughout her professional career. She earned a B.S.in Education from Illinois State University, an MEd in Adult Education and Supervision from Georgia Southern University, and an EdD in Curriculum and Multicultural Studies from the University of West Florida.