Joan is an accomplished educator, transformational speaker, author, coach, and entrepreneur. She is passionate about empowering and inspiring women. She currently serves as the Associate Director of Experiential Learning and Leadership Development for Specialize Masters Programs at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. Recently, she launched the BRITE Women Project to lead the charge in increasing the representation of women on nonprofit boards.

Prior to joining Notre Dame, she served as the Director of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative at Saint Mary’s College for three years where she launched the THRIVE Engaging Women Conference. She co-authored Life on the Fringe: Testimonies of Women Moving Beyond Desperation to Faith, a book of inspiring stories about women overcoming challenging times in their lives through their faith. The book has traveled to several countries including, China, India, and countries throughout the Middle East. She also founded Trinity Commercial Cleaning Services, serving the Michiana community for over five years.

Joan serves on the board of directors for Downtown South Bend, Cultivate Rescue, and Bethel University Board of Trustees. She serves on the Diversity and Inclusion committee for South Bend | Elkhart Regional Partnership.

Joan holds a bachelor’s in natural science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania as well as a master’s in ministry and a master’s in theological studies from Bethel University. She was featured in the spring 2016 issue of Michiana Life Magazine as one of the Top Twenty “Game Changers” in Michiana and was nominated in 2017 for the Athena Award.