The Ailey School

Joanna, born in Berkeley, California, began dancing at Berkeley Ballet Theater in 1991. She co-founded En Pointe Youth Dance Company in 1999, initiated and organized its Mexico summer immersion trip in 2005, and directed the company through 2006. In 2008, she founded JUNTOS, and in 2009, directed and organized the first JUNTOS trip to Mexico, collaborating with New York and Mexican artists for performance and intercultural exchange. Joanna graduated from The Ailey School/Fordham University’s BFA dance program, minoring in both Latin American/Latino Studies and Theology. In January 2014, Joanna was the youngest person recognized for all her work as Distinguished Visitor of Xelajú, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala’s second largest city – an honor similar to receiving the key to the city. She has been awarded with several special recognitions for her community outreach and leadership (Prospect-Sierra Alumni Action Award, 2014; Hitachi National Award, 2006-07; Guardian Girl’s Going Places Award, 2006; Berkeley Community Fund for Leadership and Community Service, 2006; City of Berkeley Mayor’s Award, 2006).