Joya Hayes is a cum laude graduate of Huston-Tillotson University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, and Texas State University, where she received her master’s degree in Public Administration. Joya retired as the Director of Human Resources and the Director of Civil Service for the city of Austin, Texas. Joya has dedicated over 25 years advocating for social justice, human rights, and children. Hayes was the recipient of the Austin NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award and has received over 35 other community awards. She is a member of the National Forum for Black Public Management Association for Human Resource Professionals, and a board member of the Austin Area Heritage Council. Joya is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She was initiated in the fall of 1993 as a second-generation member of the Beta Kappa Chapter at Huston-Tillotson University, and was the 26th South Central Regional Director. Joya is also a member of the Town Lake Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and a former licensed foster parent in both Virginia and Texas.
