Charleston County School District’s (CCSD) Tasha Joyner, M.Ed., Project Prevent Program Officer, was named the 2023 Educator Honoree by the YWCA of Greater Charleston. Lavanda Brown, Executive Director of the YWCA, announced the 2023 #WhatWomenBring honorees on August 30, 2023.
In the spring of 2018, the YWCA of Greater Charleston brought a new, powerful event for professional women to the Charleston area. At the inaugural #WhatWomenBring power lunch at the Charleston Area Convention Center, women who are breaking barriers in 10 different industries were celebrated. Those women then formed a panel to answer the audience’s questions. This powerful panel discussion - a candid conversation among women - was emceed by WCBD News 2 TV anchor Octavia Mitchell and will be again this year.
The conversation with the women leaders was a candid discussion about how they got where they are, the challenges they have faced, and their ideas for career growth. The sixth annual #WhatWomenBring event is scheduled for October 4, 2023, where Joyner will be among the panelists.
“Being nominated is an honor; however, being the 2023 What Women Bring honoree in Education is a blessing,” said Joyner. “The YWCA's mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen the community. That has also been my ‘professional why’ for the last 20-plus years with CCSD.”
Joyner has served as a middle-school classroom teacher, Instructional and Climate coach, Alternative Programs and Services Professional Learning Coordinator, and in her current role as Project Prevent Program Officer with Student Support Services.
“I have had the privilege of contributing to numerous initiatives throughout the district as a part of Learning Services, collaboration with the Acceleration Schools, FACE Office, and the inaugural racial affinity group (Black Educators Affinity Group) with Intercultural Development,” Joyner explained. “My work in the community with North Charleston Police Department's Adopt-A-Community Program, The Charleston Urban League, and E3 Foundation has allowed me to be a resource for families and community members that don't always know how to navigate the complex education system, especially for students of color.”
Joyner said the award means so much to her because people often see the outcome or product of projects and initiatives she leads or supports in CCSD and the community.
“Still, they aren't always aware of the endless hours I put in behind the scenes to ensure that any experience with me is top-notch, meaningful, and engaging,” added Joyner. “Additionally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention two ladies who have guided my path of ‘professional whys’ through the years with mentorship, support, and encouragement, Mrs. Audrey Lane and Ms. LaTisha Vaugh, co-founders of E3 Foundation.”
The #WWB stage will again be filled with stories of inspiration and wise words of counsel and Joyner looks forward to joining them in October.
“I look forward to celebrating this honor on behalf of women educators embodying YWCA's mission, my parents, my immediate family (Jermaine, Lauren, and Jermaine "JT" Joyner), and CCSD,” said Joyner.
The public is invited to join the discussion with emcees Octavia Mitchell and Ann McGill on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at The Conference Center at Trident Technical College, 7000 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston. Tickets are on sale now. Your ticket includes a one-year YWCA Greater Charleston membership, a $50 value.
