Raised in Zambia, Africa as the child of medical and teaching missionaries, Joanna considers Africa to be her heart home. After graduating from high school in East Africa, Joanna went on to study Psychology and Sociology at the undergraduate level, followed by a Master’s Degree in Counseling and a Doctorate focused in Leadership and Organization Development. She has always enjoyed engaging with people in a variety of settings where she was most fulfilled in being a catalyst for redemptive growth, both at the individual and corporate level. Seeing people change and grow in the direction of their own mental, emotional and spiritual well-being, as well as in their vocational callings has been a fulfillment of her own calling.

Today Joanna teaches and coaches leaders and organizations in multiple African nations. Her work has helped faith leaders and pastors develop new ministries, counseling centers, leadership training materials, and community initiatives that care for the vulnerable and disciple the Church. In every one of these settings, she has witnessed the same truth:

When leaders are well equipped, entire communities change.

Christian leaders are stepping into their calling with new confidence. Others are confidently creating foundations that care for the hurting. Ministries serving orphans, the mentally ill, and those battling addiction are growing stronger because they are led by those who deeply understand the people and their needs within culture and context.

The opportunities are growing faster than the capacity to meet them. More churches are asking for training. More leaders are requesting coaching. More communities are ready to establish ministries that bring healing and hope in Christ.

This is why LEADStrong exists—and why your support matters.

When you partner with Joanna, the team and the ministry of LEADStrong International, you are not just giving to an organization. You are investing in the pastors, leaders, and communities God is already transforming from within. You are helping multiply the impact of ministries that are bringing the gospel, counseling, leadership development, and spiritual formation to a generation that is truly set to create widespread redemptive impact with the gospel of Jesus both told and shown through meaningful and life-altering acts of compassion.

Joanna believes deeply that the Church in Africa already has the leaders it needs. And because of YOU, these leaders will be able to gain the education, coaching and development investment they so desire.

And that is a story worth joining.

One trained leader changes dozens of lives.
One supported ministry transforms a community.

God is raising up a generation of excellent, innovative, community changing leaders.
We are honored to work alongside them.

We ask that you partner with us in the work of equipping and sending leaders for Gospel transformation in their home communities!