Joi Smith
Human Resources

Joi is the head of team growth & belonging at Phīla Engaged Giving, where she leads the organization’s people operations strategy and growth. She designs and implements scalable, values-aligned programs and policies that reflect and reinforce Phīla’s mission, vision, and culture. Joi finds great meaning in building an internal infrastructure that supports the team and strengthens Phīla’s reputation as an exceptional place to work—one known for its culture, fairness, and growth. Her work helps shape an employment brand that resonates across the industry, the community, and with future talent.

Bio

As Head of Team Growth & Belonging, Joi brings both heart and strategy to how Phīla grows, nurtures, and supports its people. With a deep commitment to equity and long-term sustainability, she partners closely with leadership to shape policies, programs, and practices that reflect and reinforce the organization’s mission, vision, values, and goals for today, and into the future. Joi leads with innovation and care, guiding efforts around professional development, scalable infrastructure, and organizational culture to ensure that belonging is more than a value—it’s a lived experience. She finds deep meaning in cultivating environments where all people can thrive, and where diversity is honored not just in numbers, but in daily practice and authentic connection.

Joi is a dynamic People Operations and Strategy executive with over 20 years of experience supporting organizations of all sizes and across diverse industries. Her passion for People Operations is grounded in the belief that workplaces can and should serve both the mission of the organization and the well-being of its people. 

As a trusted advisor to both leaders and employees, Joi brings empathy, perspective, and practical insights to the table, turning challenges into opportunities for meaningful progress and sound solutions. Her work goes far beyond compliance or efficiency—it’s about building workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to do their best work in service of a shared mission. Her people-first leadership style and creative problem-solving lens have helped organizations design practices that center dignity, clarity, and growth at every level.

Joi holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Colorado–Boulder, a Paralegal Certification from UCLA, and an MBA in Human Resources Management from Golden Gate University. She resides in Virginia and enjoys the cultural and artistic richness of the Washington, D.C. area. She is also an avid sports fan, wine enthusiast, runner, dancer, and animal lover.

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Joi Smith

Human Resources

Joi is the head of team growth & belonging at Phīla Engaged Giving, where she leads the organization’s people operations strategy and growth. She designs and implements scalable, values-aligned programs and policies that reflect and reinforce Phīla’s mission, vision, and culture. Joi finds great meaning in building an internal infrastructure that supports the team and strengthens Phīla’s reputation as an exceptional place to work—one known for its culture, fairness, and growth. Her work helps shape an employment brand that resonates across the industry, the community, and with future talent.

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