Leadership Spotlight: Joya Harris, Board Secretary

Youth Solutions is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who believe in the power of opportunity, connection, and purpose for every young person. Among these leaders is Joya Harris, a strategic marketing and communications executive whose work centers on building pathways, partnerships, and platforms that expand opportunity and drive meaningful impact.

Joya was initially drawn to Youth Solutions by the opportunity to help create meaningful pathways for young people—especially those who may not always see themselves reflected in traditional definitions of success. With a career spent building strategies, partnerships, and ecosystems that support growth, Joya saw board service as a way to invest her time, expertise, and heart into Michigan’s future. 

“Leadership on the board felt like a meaningful way to ensure more young people have access to guidance, opportunity, and support,” Joya shares. “It’s about helping build systems where youth can truly see what’s possible for themselves.” 

Joya believes Youth Solutions’ mission is more important than ever. As Michigan’s youth navigate a rapidly changing world, our work helps bridge the gap between school, work, and real-life readiness. For Joya, this mission goes far beyond workforce development. 

“It’s about confidence, identity, purpose, and belonging,” she says. “When young people have the right tools, mentors, and exposure, they don’t just get jobs, they build lives.” 

The most meaningful part of serving on the Board, according to Joya, has been witnessing the real stories behind the data: students finding their voice, discovering career paths, and growing into who they are becoming. She is equally inspired by the collaboration among Board members and staff, and the shared sincerity that drives the organization forward. 

“What stands out is the alignment between intention and action,” Joya reflects. “When resources are paired with purpose, transformational outcomes are possible.” 

What keeps Joya engaged is the understanding that the work is far from finished. Each student success story, new partnership, and program expansion is a reminder that progress is real—and that even greater impact is within reach.

In her professional life, Joya brings experience in building brands, leading teams, and creating strategies that bring people together around shared goals. That perspective allows her to advocate for programs that not only prepare young people technically, but emotionally and socially as well. 

For those considering board service with Youth Solutions, Joya offers simple but powerful advice: come with an open mind and a generous heart. “This is not symbolic work—it is thoughtful, engaging, and deeply rewarding. You will learn, stretch, and be a part of a community that truly believes in possibility.”

Thank you, Joya, for your leadership, insight, and dedication to Michigan’s youth. Your perspective helps strengthen our mission and expand the impact we make across communities every day.