Joni's Experience: Joni began her career as a Social Worker for the State of Alabama Department of Human Resources after graduating from the University of North Alabama. Working in the field and supervising a staff, she developed a passion for those who feel voiceless in our society. She went to work for the Muscle Shoals Board of Education as an adult education instructor for the JOBS program. She was able to see firsthand how changing a persons way of thinking empowers them to change their life. In two short years, her GED graduation percentage of students in the program went from only 5% to 35%. Fast forward a few years and she found herself facing a traumatic situation that left her feeling voiceless. To deal with the struggle she turned to writing. She has received recognition from the Nicholl's Fellowship, a division of the Oscar Awards, by placing in the top 20% for two years. She also was a finalist for the Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. As she found her own voice again, she wanted to inspire young people to find their voice. Inspiration for The 917 Society came from being asked by a former civil rights activist when she had last read her Constitution. She decided to take action and ensure our youth read and develop a sense of ownership to the document as it belong to all of us. She believes we must lead by example and is the first $5,000 contributor to the 917 Society. |