Meet Joanna

Joanna Boer has spent more than half her life abroad and brings a global perspective to her work of building belonging. An MSW candidate at Columbia University, she is a committed community builder passionate about creating spaces where New Americans—and all people—feel seen and valued.

Before moving to Michigan in 2022, Joanna lived in Lagos, Nigeria for 12 years, where she founded Empire Jane, a home goods brand that helped launch a creative economy celebrating Nigerian culture and craftsmanship. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, she has also lived and worked in Kenya and Mauritania.

Joanna lends her expertise in governance, social enterprise, and cross-cultural engagement to strengthen nonprofit leadership. She holds a Master’s in Human Resource Management from the University of London and a BA in Political Science from Calvin College. She is the proud mother of four sons and enjoys travel, writing, dancing, and high tea.