Born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in Aurora, Colorado, JoAnna learned early on the power of community and the opportunities that can come from education. As a first-generation college graduate, she experienced firsthand how education can change the trajectory of a life, opening doors that might not otherwise exist.
JoAnna earned her degree in Advertising and Ethnic Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder and is an alumna of the Latino Leadership Institute. Throughout her career, she has worked across philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, communications, and community engagement, helping organizations build stronger connections between community needs and community solutions. She is also a Bonfils-Stanton Livingston Fellow and received a State of Colorado proclamation recognizing her work to elevate Latino stories, leadership, and cultural contributions throughout Colorado.
JoAnna believes philanthropy should be accessible to everyone. Whether people give their time, talent, or treasure, she sees philanthropy as a shared responsibility and a powerful way to strengthen communities. She believes in the power of philanthropy to create meaningful connections between people and causes, bringing individuals together around a common vision for the future.