Joia McManus Syphax is the Program Associate for the John Lewis Young Leaders program, located in the Washington D.C. office. She works to further the mission of Kennedy Human Rights by supporting all programming for JLYL and various Human Rights Education projects.
Previously, Joia worked in international development and peacebuilding at the United States Institute of Peace and Mennonite Central Committee. Through this work she increased the capacity of local women, youth, and community serving organizations and institutions in Kenya, Bolivia, and Rwanda. Joia has also worked to support the success and empowerment of young people as a youth and community organizer in Philadelphia, and as an educator and Americorps fellowship program manager at Great Oaks Charter School – Wilmington. Joia holds a Masters degree in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from Arcadia University.