Joyanna Smith is passionate about advancing educational equity for underserved students through systemic reform and strong parent and community advocacy. As the oldest of eight children, she developed a deep commitment to servant leadership and to standing with those who are too often left behind.

In her current role as Chief Program & Operations Officer at the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, Joyanna leads statewide efforts to strengthen charter schools through school support, community engagement, policy advocacy, and long-term organizational sustainability. She oversees core internal functions including development, finance, operations, and human resources while advancing school support and growth strategies that center students, families, and communities most impacted by systemic inequities. Joyanna partners with school leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders to elevate student and family experiences into policy influence, advancing high-quality public schools for all children.

Before moving to Chicagoland, Joyanna served as DC Regional Director at Rocketship Public Schools, where she led the growth and expansion of high-performing public schools across Washington, DC. Prior to Rocketship, she was appointed Ombudsman for Public Education at the DC State Board of Education, where she helped families and students resolve school-related concerns both individually and systemically. Under her leadership, the Ombudsman’s Office became a national model for family-centered problem solving, channeling community voice into policy change and systemic improvement across the District. Over nearly 17 years in the education sector, Joyanna also served as Director of Finance and Operations at an all-girls public charter school in Ward 8.

Joyanna received an AB from Brown University and a Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School.