About Joy
Parent | Educator | PTA Leader | Advocate
Education changed the trajectory of my life.
I’m a parent, educator, and advocate who believes every decision we make in public education should start with one simple question: What is best for our kids?
My name means light in Hindi. That meaning reflects the hope and possibility I believe public education should bring to every child.
As a first-generation high school and college graduate, a parent of children entering FCPS, and an education and behavioral health professional, I know firsthand the power of opportunity and the importance of making sure every student has the chance to succeed.
Education changed the trajectory of my life. I want every student in Fairfax County to have the opportunity to discover just how far their education can take them.
With your vote, I’ll work to ensure every student is seen, heard, valued, supported, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Supporting Kids and Families for Over 15 Years
What is best for our kids?
A Life Shaped by Education and Resiliency
Born and raised in New York City in a working-class family, Joy was raised by a single mother with three children. Her path from first-generation graduate to educator, behavioral health professional, small business owner, parent, PTA leader, and advocate has shaped how she approaches public education.
Where It All Began
Born and raised in New York City near Jackson Heights in a working-class family, one of three children raised by a single mother. Her upbringing shaped her values of hard work, resilience, and standing up for others.
Where Advocacy Began
Accepted into Global Kids at 15 years old, where she found her voice as an advocate and began learning how young people can create meaningful change.
Standing Up for Human & Labor Rights
At 16, I took my advocacy to the streets of New York City, protesting alongside the National Labor Committee (NLC) in support of human rights and fair labor practices. NLC was later renamed the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights (IGLHR). I learned early that advocacy means more than caring about an issue; it means showing up, speaking out, and standing alongside people whose voices too often go unheard. That experience strengthened a commitment to equity and justice that continues to guide my advocacy today.
First in Her Family to Graduate High School
Became the first person in her family to graduate from high school, an achievement that shaped her belief in the power of education to open doors and change the trajectory of a family.
Research-Driven Decision-Making to Support Students
When challenges began affecting the culture and student experience across her college campus, she took action. She organized a campus-wide research study to elevate student voices, examine their lived experiences, and identify the issues affecting their success. The findings helped turn student experiences into data that could inform meaningful change. The research presented key themes students from diverse backgrounds were experiencing on one campus.
First in Her Family to Graduate College
Continued breaking barriers, becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree reinforcing her belief that education can change not only one life, but generations.
Turning Research Into Action
Presented the findings to nearly 1,000 incoming students, helping them understand how their actions shape the campus community and ensuring student advocacy continued beyond the research.
Recognized for Leadership & Service
Received the highly selective Campus Life Award for her commitment to strengthening her college community. She led a student mentorship program, gave campus tours, and participated in the Collegiate Science, Technology, and Engineering Program. Her work reflected a commitment that continues to guide her today: show up, serve others, and help build stronger communities.
Answering the Call to Teach
Selected as a Special Education Fellow, she began her teaching career while completing her degree full-time gaining hands-on experience supporting students with diverse learning needs.
Master’s in Bilingual Special Education
Earned her master’s degree in Bilingual Special Education and became dual-certified in Special Education and ESOL, building the expertise to better serve students with diverse learning and language needs.
Learning What Makes Schools Work
As a founding teacher at a school in Southeast Washington, D.C., she helped build a school community from the ground up. The experience gave her firsthand insight into the leadership, systems, and operations needed to build a successful school.
Seven Years in the Classroom
Spent nearly seven years teaching in Washington, D.C., Prince George’s County, and Alexandria City Public Schools, giving her firsthand experience with students, families, and the realities educators face every day.
Expanding Expertise in Behavioral Health
Earned board certification in behavioral health, expanding her expertise in supporting children with diverse behavioral, developmental, and learning needs and partnering with families to help them thrive.
Building a Business to Serve Families
Founded her own behavioral health practice, becoming a small business owner dedicated to supporting children and families with complex needs and Autism. Through this work, she became a stronger advocate helping families navigate systems, access critical services, and ensure their children’s needs and voices were heard.
Becoming a Mom
Welcomed her first child, bringing a new perspective to the work she had spent years doing with children and families. Becoming a parent deepened her commitment to ensuring every child has the support and opportunities they deserve.
Growing Our Family
Welcomed her second child, deepening her perspective as a parent and strengthening her commitment to building schools and communities where every family feels supported.
Stepping Up for Students
When her middle school PTA faced the possibility of continuing without a president, she stepped up to lead ensuring students, families, and educators continued to have a strong voice and advocate in their corner.
Still Showing Up. Still Speaking Up.
Continuing the advocacy journey she began as a teenager showing up at School Board and community meetings, organizing families, meeting with education leaders, and speaking out on issues affecting students.
From classrooms to PTA leadership, she has spent her life listening, learning, and advocating for children and families. And she’s not done yet.
