A Message from Our Founder
I have always loved traveling, learning and helping others. It was in 2012 when the idea of combining these passions first became a reality for me on a service trip to Kenya. To experience the passion and dedication of community members and volunteers working together to make a positive impact was overwhelming. Since then, I’ve never looked back!
JJOY Takes PRIDE in our Organizational Core Values:
PARTNERSHIP:
We value partnership and abide by the adage that “teamwork makes the dream work”
RESPECT:
Everything we do, we do with respect: for the individuals and communities we serve, for our partners, for our supporters and for each other.
INTEGRITY:
We strive to always exemplify positive values in our actions and in our words.
DISCLOSURE:
We are fully transparent in all that we do, including how we select partners and projects, how we share information and how we utilize funds.
EFFECTIVENESS:
We endeavor to make an impact in an efficient way, utilizing funds and resources to the fullest extent possible.
Our Board of DirectorS
Allen is a retired veteran with over twenty years of material management experience. He has either founded or assisted the founding of four nonprofits serving in various key officer roles and is currently serving on three small organizational boards as President, Secretary and Secretary/Treasurer. His philanthropic endeavors include over twenty-five international charitable volunteer trips to over twenty countries and he has been personally instrumental in establishing five charitable and two scholarship funds within his local community foundation. Allen’s involvement with the JJoy Foundation marks his inaugural foray into international charitable pursuits and his dedication to effecting positive change, regardless of scale, remains unwavering. His contributions are characterized not only by his extensive experience but also by the boundless time and energy he invests in his endeavors.
Emily completed a Masters Degree in Biomedical Engineering in 1999, and has worked in the medical device/biotech industry as a Principal Engineer, Project Manager, and Clinical Field Specialist since then. Her expertise in guiding project teams aligns well with her cross-cultural skills gained from global travels, including countless professional trips, solo backpacking in Asia, and volunteering in six countries. Emily’s diverse experiences foster collaboration, sensitivity, and a global outlook – all of which she leverages into her role at the JJoy Foundation. She is excited to channel her skills and passion for service into supporting the Foundation’s initiatives and enhancing operational efficiency to help make a positive impact in the world.
Tricia received her PhD in Chemistry in 1999 and worked full time as a Medicinal Chemist in the area of drug discovery for more than 15 years. In addition to scientific advancement, her professional career honed her skills in the areas of critical and strategic thinking, communication, innovation, problem solving and management of global project teams. She now spends part of her time working as consultant to biotech companies and her remaining time traveling, networking, volunteering and pursuing a meaningful life – all while applying the skills she learned over the course of her professional career. Tricia has successfully participated in or led more than 40 teams of volunteers on short term international service trips, primarily involving the construction of homes or schools, on 5 continents. She’s excited to help spread Joy around the globe through JJoy Foundation.
Our Volunteer Advisors
SHELLEY LAWSON
Fundraising & Marketing
TRISH WILKINSON
Graphic Design
ROBIN Patterson
Mascot Mama
Robin
Vos
Media
Kyle
Erickson
Multimedia
our mascots
This little group of butterflies help us SPREAD JOY around the world! Watch for them on our projects and traveling in places near and far as they explore, learn and help others whenever and wherever they can.
Jovie (J)
“Bringer of Joy”
Jahir (JJ)
“One Who has Dignity”
Ophelia (O)
“Helper”
YARA (Y)
“Friend”
