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 currently serves as the Community development officer for Community Vision, with the hopes of deepening Community Visions’ relationships with minority-owned businesses and Minority led nonprofits, in the Central Valley, as well as to work closely with strategic partners in bringing awareness to issues facing entrepreneurs and residents of color. Overall, she hopes to help the community thrive by providing education, resources, and business assistance. 

She has joined The Academy of Financial Education 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.
 

Where can you find me when I’m not advocating and connecting with partners and small businesses? When I’m not hanging out with my 17-year-old son? You can find me in some water as a professional mermaid! Whether on one of my boats, my pool, or one of the many conventions, I attend. I’m also an AVID Bird lover. I have roughly 75 birds ranging from small budgies to pheasants, to my Catalina Macaw named Tim, to my 9 Adult peacocks! I’m also a motorcycle enthusiast and have a collection of 8 that I ride almost daily!