Meet Joyia
Joyia Yorgey grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, and transplanted to Conway with her family in 2015. She earned an undergraduate degree in Mathematics at Williams College (MA) and a graduate degree in International Affairs at American University (DC). In total, she has lived and learned in six different states and four foreign countries, bringing a wide view of the world to her life here in Arkansas.
In 2016, Joyia founded Arkansas Asset Builders to ensure that low- and moderate-income households throughout Central Arkansas have access to free income tax preparation and financial literacy programs that build wealth and financial well-being, and continues to serve as the organization's Executive Director. She also served on Conway's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board (BPAB) from 2018-2020, including as board chair in 2020.
Joyia is a Christ-follower, professor's wife, mom of three, creative home chef, and CrossFit athlete. Joyia is running unopposed for the position of Justice of the Peace for District 11 and is honored to represent the north-east side of Conway in the Faulkner County government.
What knowledge, skills and experience do I bring to this position?
To this position on the Quorum Court, I will bring my experience in nonprofit administration and commitment to data-driven decision making. As Executive Director of Arkansas Asset Builders, I oversee this organization's annual budget and ensure that our programs make effective use of the resources available to them. I have a strong background in math and a passion for using data analysis to inform programs and policy. I will also bring my experience as a relative newcomer to Faulkner County who has lived in several other states and abroad. In every place that I have lived, I have sought to improve my community's quality of life, ensuring that both newcomers and life-long residents are able to thrive.
What do I plan to accomplish in this position?
In this position, I will work for Faulkner County to remain an attractive place for new residents and businesses to locate while ensuring that public services are delivered with excellence and equity. In particular, I seek to ensure that our library facilities and transportation infrastructure are adequate to serve a growing population. I will also improve the ability of our County to access federal, state, and private grants for projects and programs that improve all residents' quality of life.
How do I plan to achieve these goals?
Faulkner County needs to have a comprehensive growth plan in place that identifies the specific public services and infrastructure which will need additional investment as our population increases. With such a plan in place, we will be able to anticipate changes to the county budget and ensure that adequate funding is in place to make investments when they are needed. A plan will also give us the lead time necessary to develop alternative sources of funding, such as grants and public-private partnerships, that will further the County's ability to deliver the high-quality services that voters demand.