Joyce's Parents, Columbus L. & Dorothy B. Stanley
Joyce comes from a long line of proud activists who lived their belief in public service. Her father, Columbus L. Stanley, was the first African American elected to the city council in Poughkeepsie, New York. Her mother Dorothy B. Stanley was Poughkeepsie’s first African American school teacher and, later, school principal. Together they helped found the Poughkeepsie Voters League, the first grassroots organization to empower the city’s black population.
A graduate of Howard University with a degree in Microbiology, Joyce began her professional career in 1970 with Joseph E. Seagram and Sons, Inc. managing a union crew in a distillery plant. She quickly rose through the ranks and broke the glass ceiling at corporate headquarters to become the National Director of Equal Employment Opportunity for the entire corporation.
After 17 years, Joyce left the corporate world to devote herself completely to public service.
Joyce with Michelle Obama
She spent many years in New York City government, in a wide range of leadership positions. In the offices of the Manhattan Borough President, she developed the concept for the Manhattan Youth Trust, a partnership between non-profit organizations and businesses to promote youth employment. She was Director of Community Relations for the New York City Comptroller. In the Mayor’s Office of Children and Families she organized and ran Child Immunization Day, the largest vaccination program in that office’s history. In the office of NYC Schools Chancellor as Director of Business and Community Relations, she created the model for school/community partnerships. She was also the designated Chancellor’s Trustee for the takeover of BK School Board 16 and Queens School Board 29. Joyce ran her own education consulting firm, and later served as Director of Operations for Readnet Charter School, getting that school up and operational in only three days. Most recently, she was the President and CEO of the coalition building, non-profit organization Black Equity Alliance.
Politically, Joyce has always had the courage of her convictions. She was NYS Petition Coordinator and Field Director for the Obama for America NYS Primary Election Campaign in 2007-2008.
Joyce with Geraldine Ferraro
Joyce was elected Democratic District Leader, Community Free Democrats, 69th A.D. for five years. She ran for NYS Assembly in 2002, and City Council in 2005 with the support of the late Hon. Phil Reed, Councilwoman Gail Brewer, State Senator Eric Schneiderman, a host of federal, state and local officials, NARAL, NOW, NY League of Conservation Voters, democratic clubs, and labor. She has lent her operational skills to other candidates as well: as Deputy Campaign Manager/consultant for Charlie King for NYS Attorney General 2006; Downstate Field Director for Geraldine Ferraro’s 1992 US Senate campaign; Campaign Manager for C. Virginia Field’s New York City Council race in 1991.
In addition, Joyce has been a tireless advocate for her community. She was elected Board Chair of Manhattan Community Board 7, where she served as a member for 15 years. Joyce is past and present member of several boards and organizations; including NYS League of Conservation Voters (NYC); Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee; Riverside Park Fund; Mitchell-Lama Residents Coalition, EMILY’S List Majority Council, New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women. She is an active member of North Manhattan Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.