Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Sheffield.
Joy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a passionate leader, lifelong learner, and community advocate. Currently, I serve as the President of the Memphis Advanced Toastmasters Club, Chair of the Develop HER Women’s Summit for the Junior League of Memphis, a youth mentor, and co-founder of both J & S Events by Design and a women’s social club. I am also a proud mother and wife.
Each day, I strive to be a better version of myself. I believe in the power of growth and the importance of remaining a student of life. My journey began as an only child who lost her father at the age of seven. That early loss shaped my resilience and ignited a fire within me to make every moment count.
From a young age, I discovered that giving back brings me joy—it’s a way to uplift others while nourishing my own spirit. That sense of fulfillment has guided my path ever since. I volunteer because I see gaps—places where help is needed, voices are unheard, and change is possible. That calling started in elementary school when I ran for student government. Though I didn’t win the first time, I gained something far more valuable: perseverance, grit, and the understanding that setbacks are setups for comebacks.
By day, I work in marketing for an aviation company, but my heart beats for community leadership. My greatest influences have been my mother, father, and stepfather. My mother’s selflessness and her constant willingness to go above and beyond to help others shaped my understanding of compassion. Though I was very young when my father passed, he taught me the importance of cherishing time with loved ones. And my stepfather—one of the original 13 Freedom Riders who worked alongside civil rights icons like John Lewis and Hank Thomas—instilled in me a deep commitment to justice, equity, and service. Their examples taught me that true leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about impact.
I’ve led countless community service initiatives, each one rooted in the belief that we rise by lifting others. Whether mentoring youth, empowering women, or creating spaces for connection and celebration, I am driven by the desire to leave every place better than I found it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I Despite all that I’ve accomplished, I carry a naturally pessimistic mindset. I don’t expect great things to come easily to me. But I’ve learned to see that as a strength. It keeps me grounded, focused, and prepared to work hard for what I want.
One of my biggest struggles has been finding my true purpose. For a long time, I felt like I was moving through life checking boxes, unsure of what truly lit me up inside. And even now, with so many passions and responsibilities, I often feel like there’s never enough time to do everything I really want to do. Balancing my dreams with my reality is a constant challenge.
But through it all, I’ve learned that purpose isn’t always a destination—it’s a journey. And every step, every struggle, every late night and early morning, is shaping me into the woman I’m meant to be.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a passionate leader, lifelong learner, and community advocate. Currently, I serve as the President of the Memphis Advanced Toastmasters Club, Chair of the Develop HER Women’s Summit for the Junior League of Memphis, a youth mentor, and co-founder of both J & S Events by Design and a women’s social club. I am also a proud mother and wife.
I have an MBA in Marketing and work in the Aviation industry doing marketing communications.
One of my biggest current initiatives is the Develop HER Women’s Summit, taking place in March 2026. I’ve been enthusiastically planning this powerful event alongside an incredible chair committee. Since its inception in 2016, the summit has brought together more than 400 women from across the Mid-South for a one-day experience focused on empowering women through meaningful insights, connections, and opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
The summit features dynamic breakout sessions led by local leaders and experts, covering themes of professional development, personal growth, and community leadership. Attendees look forward to engaging vendor exhibits, rich networking opportunities, a celebratory luncheon honoring top female leaders in the region, and an inspiring keynote address from a nationally recognized speaker.
Past keynote speakers have included Joan Lunden, Susan Packard, Erin Brockovich, Dominique Dawes, Shiza Shahid, Sarah Thomas, and Dr. Deshauna Barber—each bringing a unique and powerful message to our attendees. And for our 11th annual summit in 2026, we have some exciting surprises in store that you won’t want to miss!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I used to battle rap for fun in college and I am a true 80’s 90’s hip-hop fan
Contact Info:
- Website: https://developherws.org/
