A Florida native who was born at Bayfront Hospital. Raised in Tallahassee, FL, she graduated from Lakewood High School, received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, received her Master of Arts in Adult Education from the University of South Florida, and is also a graduate from the Funeral Services and Arts Program at St. Petersburg College. She is an Associate Professor at St. Petersburg College. Joi is actively involved in the community through her involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliated; Florida A&M National Alumni Association; National Council on Black American Affairs; St. Petersburg College Alumni Association; National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.; Youth Development Foundation of Pinellas County, Inc., and National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc. She is a member of Unity Temple of Truth Church. Her hobbies include dancing and traveling.