Joan Wallace-Benjamin, PhD -151



There is a Congolese saying that a single bracelet does not jingle. Everyone in your family are the bracelets that help you jingle. When you have that jingle, you are able to lead more fully because you have all of the people you love and care about, right there, on your arm.
-Joan Wallace-Benjamin

Welcome to the story of a woman whose awards and accomplishments are simply too vast to list here. A self-described “mission girl” Joan Wallace-Benjamin has spent 37 years focused on creating better outcomes for underserved children and families. A graduate of Wellesley College, she received her Ph.D from the Heller School of Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. A native of New York City, Joan learned a lot about love of community and social responsibility from her loving parents. With leadership roles at ABCD Head Start, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, as temporary Chief of Staff for former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, and as the President and CEO of the Home For Little Wanderers, Joan is a role model for anyone who aspires to lead with purpose and passion. Her new book is called Leading A Life In Balance and includes her sage advice as a working mom. Says Joan: I think leaders lead more fully when they take as their first priority their own children and families. For the inspiring story of a stellar human being whose life has been well lived, just hit that download button. #leadership #workingmom