Before serving as Interim Executive Director, Joana worked as the Marketing and Communications Manager for the Boston Women's Workforce Council, a public-private partnership between the Mayor and the Greater Boston business community to close the gender pay gaps. Originally from Austin, Texas, Joana has more than seven years of professional experience in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Previously, Joana served as the Manager of Marketing and Communications at Mass Mentoring Partnership, where she managed brand strategy, media relations, and developing digital campaigns for public policy initiatives.

Joana also served with the Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy as a social media strategist. With a diverse background in education policy, workforce development, youth development, and tech, Joana is driven by her belief that women’s rights is an economic imperative for the prosperity of nations. She received her B.A. in International Relations from St. Edward’s University. Outside of work, you can find Joana on Twitter, listening to all kinds of music, and drinking way too much coffee.