Ra Joy is an experienced leader in the fields of philanthropy, arts advocacy, and political reform. Currently serving as Chief of Staff at the National Endowment for the Arts since January 2021, Ra previously worked as a philanthropic advisor and consultant, guiding nonprofit entities on grant programs. As Executive Director of CHANGE Illinois, Ra was instrumental in promoting systemic political reforms and enhancing democratic participation. Earlier roles include Executive Director of Arts Alliance Illinois, where Ra advanced public policy initiatives for arts and culture, and Deputy Director/Grants Coordinator for U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, focusing on resource allocation and community engagement. Ra holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Government from Southern Illinois University, along with executive education qualifications from Kellogg Executive Education and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
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