Joanna Harbin, Director of Growth and Development

 

Joanna received a dual degree from the University of Georgia in both Psychology and Speech Communications, graduating as a member of the Honors Program and earning a certificate in leadership from the Terry College of Business. While an undergrad at the UGA, Joanna served for three years on the Executive Board of the largest student-run  philanthropy in the Southeast helping to improve the quality of life for children affected by HIV/AIDS. Her experience culminated with her leading more than 2,500 students to surpass the $1 million cumulative fundraising mark and being recognized as the “Organization of the Year.”

 

During the 2009 Global LEAD trip to Cape Town, serving as a student Community Group Leader, Joanna realized her passion for the Global LEAD mission. When given the opportunity to join the team full-time after graduation, she knew it was an opportunity she could not pass up. Now Global LEAD’s Director of Growth and Development, Joanna coordinates local opportunities for Global LEAD students to stay involved with leadership and service initiatives year-round, serves as the Director of LEAD Cape Town and markets this innovative program across the Southeast.

 

Joanna is a fan of all things blue (her phone, car, clothes), Body Pump, Mexican food, and brightly colored Nike Air Max shoes.  While Joanna loves meeting new people and pushing her limits, she also treasures family, close friends, and enjoys time to just sit back and relax. Joanna lives by the words, “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Joanna loves to speak with parents, students and alumni – reach her at Joanna@GlobalLEADprogram.org.