Emily Joy

Joy is my middle name.

I find hope in a future where dignity is honored at work. Though it’s not always easy, I try to bring joy to the work I do by helping leaders and teams build stronger, more connected communities through trust, growth, and belonging.

As a scholar-practitioner, my work bridges research and practice. My focus centers on the relational dynamics of leadership. I am particularly interested in how supervisors can foster dignity across social identity differences. I believe leadership is not just about intention, but about the daily practices that honor the wholeness of every team member.

My journey has included roles in intercultural development, student support, and team coaching, always grounded in the idea that meaningful change begins with relationships. As a former student-athlete and Peace Corps volunteer, I bring a global perspective shaped by lived experiences in team dynamics, community engagement, and cross-cultural understanding.

I earned my Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University, an M.A. in College Student Development from Appalachian State University, and a B.A. in Economics from Kalamazoo College.

At the heart of my work is a simple but powerful belief: by working through complexity with care, we can build a bigger “we.”