Joelle B.

About Joelle B.

I’m the Director of Post-Secondary Success at Urban Arts, where I lead initiatives that help students from under-resourced schools access, navigate, and succeed in higher education. Since 2017, I’ve guided students to a 100% college matriculation rate and helped secure over $46 million in scholarships. My work focuses on culturally responsive college access, leveraging students’ interests and cultural touchpoints—including gaming, arts, and media—to make college advising engaging, relevant, and actionable.Previously, I served as Director of Admissions for Pre-College Programs at BrandEd, including the School of The New York Times and Sotheby’s Institute of Art. I managed enrollment, financial aid, and scholarship programs to expand access for underrepresented students and built community partnerships to promote inclusion and opportunity.My journey began as a film and African American Studies student, where I discovered the power of storytelling and interdisciplinary thinking. This passion led me through advocacy, program management, and nonprofit work using the arts to empower communities. Today, I combine creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on mentorship to help students cultivate their talents, access higher education, and develop skills for early career success.Recognized by Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40, I am driven by helping others discover their passions and write their own stories of achievements

Experience

1. Director, Post-secondary Success

   Urban Arts

   Nov 2023 — Present · New York, NY, US

Education

• New York University

  Master of Arts (M.A.)

• Temple University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)