ABOUT
I'M JOY
I believe that a strong culture is not just about the people and programs, but rather it's the very essence that permeates throughout the entire system. It's the heartbeat that pulses through every member, every decision, and every action. A thriving culture is what drives a team to greatness, igniting passion, purpose, and potential. It's the foundation that supports and sustains high-performance, while fostering a sense of belonging, well-being, and fulfillment. I am a firm believer that culture is the ultimate catalyst for success, and when cultivated intentionally, it has the power to transform teams, organizations, and even entire industries.
MY STORY
Burnt Out and Burdened
Ten years ago, I found myself burnt out and burdened, working in a toxic corporate environment and for an overbearing boss. My experience was taking a toll on my physical and emotional well-being. I had witnessed my mom and sister work prestigious high-paying, high-pressure jobs, only for their lives to be cut short by cancer before they turned 50. My sister attributed her cancer to the stress she experienced at work, and I did not want that to happen to me. I knew It was time for a change.
A Shift in Perspective
When I landed a job at Google, one of the biggest tech companies in the world known for its fun work culture and plentiful opportunities, I realized that companies were starting to become aware of how workplace culture impacts employee mental health and success. I thought Google had it figured out. My experience as a Program Manager/Data Analyst, coupled with my identity as a member of several underrepresented groups in tech: woman, Black, and Latina, made me acutely aware of how the intersection of my identities affected my sense of belonging and ability to progress, even though Google had a reputation for having a great culture. I realized that even Fortune 500 companies with great cultures needed guidance and support to truly create an inclusive and empowering work environment.
A Seat at the Table
My journey at Google led me to become a Culture Strategist, where I supported a 3,000 person global org and taught classes on communication, emotional intelligence, bias, and microaggressions worldwide. Along the way, I became a trusted advisor to leaders who sought my guidance in making their teams more inclusive and productive.
In my personal life, I volunteered as my son's baseball coach and eventually became President of the baseball league. I also became heavily involved in the school, participating on the PTA boards. Now, I run a youth baseball tournament business with my husband, and I notice that the same culture principles apply whether you're running a Fortune 500 company, your own business, a school, or even a small sports team. Culture matters; big or small.
Next Leg of the Journey
My experience at Google was not the end of my journey. When I was part of the 12,000 employees laid off in January 2023, I had to figure out my next step. That experience ignited a passion in me to use my skills and experience to help companies build healthier and more inclusive work environments and make a positive impact on the lives of employees around the world.
On a Mission
With my personal and professional experiences, I'm on a mission to disrupt the traditional workplace culture and change perspectives, with the goal of making a positive impact on people's lives and helping companies and leaders create environments where my sister and mom could have survived and thrived. It's about giving leaders hope that they can have the thriving team they envision and empowering them with the tools, skills, and resources to succeed. And that, to me, is the ultimate goal.
