Joanna de Pena is the Founder & Executive Director of Top Notch Scholars, Inc. Joanna is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic plan, overseeing the organization’s budget, working in partnership with the board, managing and providing leadership to the staff and volunteers and is the main youth leadership programming trainer along with other trained professionals. Joanna has a huge passion for—youth development, instilling confidence creating paths of success for community youth and being a positive role model for the younger generations. Joanna is constantly volunteering and creating opportunities for community service for the youth. Whether it is creating blessing kits (backpacks with essential items for the homeless), feeding the homeless or assisting community events – Joanna is always serving, one way or another.

Joanna has lived in Lawrence all of her life however had the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica, Spain, and France while attending her high school, Proctor Academy in Andover New Hampshire. In her spare time Joanna enjoys cycling, hiking, kayaking, spending time with family or reading personal development books.

Joanna earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Lasell University, in Newton Massachusetts, her Masters at Merrimack College in Education and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Performance Psychology at Grand Canyon University.