About joi

 Originally from Memphis TN, Joi graduated from Historically Black College, Tennessee State University, where she majored in broadcast communication. After graduating she became an administrative assistant for a Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and absolutely fell in love with economic development and helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams of business ownership. She served with SBDC for 10 years and eventually became the center’s Assistant Director. Following her time with SBDC she went on to work for a commercial bank and two different Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), including one that was the largest in the country at one time. She is a staple in the central valley and in the economic development world for over 15 years.

Joi is the founder of the Central California Mermaid Avian Rescue Center, a Fresno based nonprofit that serves as a sanctuary for exotic birds. 

Joi joined The Academy of Financial Education's board because she is passionate about bringing personal and business financial planning to communities of color and ensuring they have a pathway to building generational wealth for themselves and their families.
 

Joi is an AVID Bird lover. She has roughly 75 birds ranging from small budgies to pheasants, to her Catalina Macaw named Tim, to her 9 Adult peacocks! She is also a motorcycle enthusiast and has a collection of 8 that she rides almost daily!