Working with Joy was an absolutely delightful and enriching experience. Participants enjoyed Joy's invitational and accessible way of talking about the power of art and words. As a facilitator - Joy is community-centered, collaborative, and committed to empowering those around her that art is for everyone and everyone can be an artist.
emily ames, l'arche tahoma hope outreach coordinator
I've gone to Joy's writing workshops at least 3 times now and my experience has always been positive. The workshops are consistently engaging and I always come out of them learning something new about myself and my personal writing process. Joy is also a wonderful facilitator! Her ability to guide discussion and foster creativity helps me get comfortable and into my zone. Thank you Joy and I'll be looking out for more workshops!
horacio perez-morales: artist, community organizer, farmer
I am writing in testament of Joy and her character/work ethic as it pertains to youth development and advocacy. When I met Joy I was blown away by her kindness, and quickly thereafter by her commitment and maturity. She was receptive to the needs of all youth whom she supervised/worked with and that was clear in their enamor and respect for/of her. Having worked in the youth development field for over seven years myself, without a doubt Joy is a standout and would be an incredible addition to any team or project.
kayla stewart, Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Specialist at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Joy's workshop was so magical, the framework was easily accessible and intimate. Joy's connection of music to poetry takes inspiration to new heights for me. Cultivating presence made navigating my own creative process easier! Love and thank Joy for bringing community together!
tre'jaun white: massage therapist, artist, hilltop community member
Joy is an exciting and talented young writer whose work is simple but gets right to the heart of things. Her straightforward yet poetic perspective of justice, race, and ancestry is special and not to be overlooked. She’s a writer whose career I can’t wait to watch blossom in the years to come.
zoe branch: journalist, writer, owner of flora & phrase
It is truly an honor to not only work with this talented young woman but also to see her passion ignite! As a visual artist participating in my first spoken word event it completely opened my eyes to other creative ways we can express ourselves, grow and evolve also find self awareness! Joy makes the environment so open and welcoming to share what we’ve personal written from her workshops. Gloria Joy is truly that, a joy! I am grateful she has shares her spoken magic with the world!
sophia trujillo-walton: visual artist