Joyce has lived and worked in Plumas County since 1975. Her diverse background includes service as the county librarian, local radio newscaster, hospital community relations director, elected member of the Plumas County Board of Supervisors and founder of the battered women's shelter. Most recently, she began work for the Child Care Planning Council. She is a graduate of Howard University and Rutgers University.
Her work on behalf of women and children in the county includes the establishment of the only local, confidential shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Joyce serves as chair of the Plumas County Family Violence Prevention Coalition. She has represented the far northern counties on the statewide coalition working to end domestic violence in California. She also serves on the Plumas Children's Council and is a member of the CASA advisory board.
As a volunteer, Joyce founded the League of Women Voters of Plumas County in 1993. Joyce was a founding board member for Women's Mountain Passages. As the long-time coordinator of Lifeline for the Plumas District Hospital Volunteers, she enrolls local residents in a 24-hour, personal monitoring system.
Joyce believes that all of her jobs and community service have given her the opportunity to help women and girls reach their greatest promise. For some that means overcoming obstacles. Breaking down barriers for women and girls to reach self-sufficiency, gain resiliency and a strong sense of self-worth is Joyce's passion.
