About Us

Joy Murrieta is an award-winning nonprofit executive, strategist, and fierce advocate for equity, with more than 15 years of experience advancing community-driven solutions for youth and families. Throughout her career, Joy has partnered with leaders across government, education, healthcare, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector to drive lasting community impact.

Prior to joining Healthier Kids Foundation, Joy served as Executive Director of Kids in Common, where she strengthened the organization's strategy, operations, governance, and regional partnerships, developed its first comprehensive strategic plan, advanced data-informed advocacy and collaboration efforts, and led the integration of Kids in Common into Healthier Kids Foundation to strengthen organizational capacity and community impact. Earlier in her career, she co-founded and led a Massachusetts-based youth development nonprofit for 12 years, expanding access to arts education, social-emotional learning, and positive youth development opportunities. Joy and her spouse relocated to California in 2024 to be closer to extended family and pursue new opportunities to create positive community impact on the West Coast.

Joy is committed to advancing equity and strengthening communities. Her contributions have been recognized with honors including a Key to the City of Worcester, the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network's Excellence Award, and the Silicon Valley Business Journal's Women of Influence Award. Outside of her professional work, she is active in San Jose's hip-hop dance community, and with San Jose's women's roller derby team, Heart's Delight, and also enjoys longboarding, baking, gaming, singing, and playing guitar.