MEET THE TEAM
Joy M. England, MPA
Chief Executive Officer & Founding Advocate
Joy serves as the CEO & Founding Advocate at AIA. Joy holds a BS in Labor and Employee Relations from Rutgers University along with a Master’s in Public Administration from Rutgers University, Newark. Joy is currently enrolled at Loyola University Chicago Institute of Pastoral Studies, pursuing a Masters in Divinity and Social Justice.
Joy founded Advocates in Action in 2016, with the mission to Be the Voice to those who don’t have one. This mission has evolved into Advocacy work done throughout The Learning Academy, and our premier course The Pink Marker Movement. Joy is missioned to bring the opportunity to raise your voice and tell your story to everyone.
Joy is a published author, her inaugural book I Am Joy was released in September 2019. I Am Joy is a peek into the life and the lessons that led Joy to the woman she is today. Her inspiring story of courage and perseverance is sure to inspire many!
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Joy is a dedicated mother of two young men, Owen & Nathaniel. Joy is led by her strong faith in God, and it is this faith that drives all Joy’s projects.
When she is not taking on the world, you can find Joy binging on reality tv and reading as many books as she can get her hands on.
Jason M. Corley, CMAA
Chief Financial Officer
Jason M. Corley joins the Advocates in Action team as the Chief Financial Officer. Jason has been a dedicated supporter of Advocates since its inception in 2016, serving in many roles, including the wildly popular Influentials Podcast Co-Host
Jason is a distinguished leader with a passion for diversity, inclusion, and advocacy. Jason brings this same passion to the Advocates' mission. “The work done at Advocates is necessary and irreplaceable, especially in these unprecedented times. Being an advocate and bringing the opportunity for everyone to embrace their story is of the utmost importance to me both personally and professionally.”
Jason attended Kean University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration, a Masters in Education, and a second Masters in Educational Leadership. Community service is very important to Jason. The following are some of the many organizations that have included him as a member: Long Branch NAACP, Long Branch Men’s Club, Long Branch Elks, Long Branch Mayor’s Transition Team, Long Branch Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board, and the Fidelity Lodge #42, F&AM-PHA. Jason holds the position of 2nd Vice President of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association executive board. Jason will claim the position of President of the NJSIAA executive board in the year 2023-2024.
Jason has been acknowledged in the following areas of excellence: Professional Service Award by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, (NAACP), 525 Philanthropy Club’s Education Achievement Award and an Educators’ Award by the Latino American Association of Monmouth County.
Nathanial Dentz
Merchandise Creative Assistant
Nate serves as the Merchandise Creative Assistant for Advocates. Marker Program. Nate is the creative designer for all the merchandise produced for the Advocates retail Store.
Nate is an advocate through and through and creates merchandise that inspires, empowers, and encourages Advocates' mission for everyone to share their voice.
Outside of work Nate can be found at the gym, streaming, listening to music, or spending time with his two favorite people Yuki & Yoshi.
CORE VALUES
We are advocates first. Empowering people to engage their voice, through a person-centered approach. AIA is the bridge builder between peoples’ needs, wants, and dreams. We are defenders with the understanding that advocating for others begins with empathy. We strive to take positive action to support others in their pursuit of excellence.
We promote a culture of respect and recognize that words and actions matter. We believe in equity, dignity, and inclusion for each and every person. We represent and value diverse identities, recognizing that our differences make us strongerー both while learning from each other.
We are visionaries and boundary-pushers. We innovate to challenge assumptions and create sustainable change. We are tenacious in our efforts to address employment inequality and injustices. We are determined to influence a positive impact on individuals, organizations, and systems.
We encourage growth and curiosity. We are lifelong learners who explore bold ideas that inspire a culture of trust. Passion is at the forefront of who we are and the work that we do. Being passionate requires vulnerability and courage to push outside our comfort zones. We believe that effective leaders are agents of change, that lead by example and promote success for each individual they lead. Leadership is an act of intention, integrity, and commitment. AIA believes firmly in these characteristics of the leaders we are and are becoming.