#ChooseJoy: Joy Thomas on Resilience, Healing, and Building Legacy
For Joy Thomas, education was always more than grades—it was a gateway to opportunity. Coming from a family of changemakers—her mom a social worker, her uncle a fire chief, her grandmother a registered nurse, and her aunt a lifelong educator—Joy grew up surrounded by examples of what education could unlock. Her own journey took a different turn when she became a teen mom at 16. But instead of letting that stop her, she drew strength from her son and her family’s encouragement. “Education was something no one could take away,” Joy shares. “It’s taught me discipline, resilience, and grace.”
At Governors State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2020, Joy found both purpose and confidence. Her time at GovState helped shape her work in maternal health and higher education, while also fueling her commitment to advocacy. She seized opportunities to serve, from volunteering for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts during Alternative Spring Break to being nominated for the Change Agent Award at the Black Women Rock Awards. “These experiences built my confidence, leadership, and passion for supporting mothers, families, and students,” she reflects.
Faculty and staff also played a pivotal role in her journey. Joy credits mentors like Dr. Dartina Dunlap, Sean Smith, Professor Amanda Evans, and Dr. Kristina Wilkerson for their lasting encouragement. “Dr. Dunlap, in particular, was a huge influence. She believed in me and pushed me to keep going even years after graduation,” Joy remembers with gratitude.
Today, Joy channels her lived experiences into her life’s work. She is the founder of Choose Joy Doula Services, offering full-spectrum maternal support including prenatal education, birth support, postpartum and newborn care, breastfeeding guidance, and placenta encapsulation. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: “The freedom to choose is your maternal birthright.” Born from her own healing journey after the stillbirth of her son Jace during COVID-19, Choose Joy is her way of ensuring mothers feel heard, empowered, and supported through every stage of motherhood.
Balancing her business with her role as Rise Academy Coordinator at Chicago State University and her contract work as a doula at the University of Illinois Chicago is no easy task. “Balance is an ongoing process for me,” Joy admits. “What helps is setting boundaries, staying organized, and remembering why I do this work. I also give myself permission to rest, say no, and lean on my village when needed.”
Her passion and resilience continue to inspire others. She was recently recognized among the 100 Black Mompreneurs by Hustle Mommies and Amazon at the historic DuSable Black History Museum—an honor that reminded her that every sacrifice and every step forward has meaning. “Black mothers can and do create legacies of impact,” she says proudly.
For Joy, advocacy also means sharing her story openly. At the WEIGHT Conference: Seasons of Womanhood, she encouraged women to embrace healing through connection. “Our stories carry power and create space for freedom and transformation,” she explains. “You are worthy of love, healing, and joy in every season of womanhood.”
Outside of her professional roles, Joy finds inspiration in time with her son Zayden, traveling, exploring new restaurants in Chicago, and practicing self-care. “Spending time with my son will always be my greatest joy,” she says.
When asked about her legacy, Joy is clear: “I never imagined my own journey of teen motherhood and loss would lead me here. My life is proof that hope, purpose, and joy exist and can be found on the other side. With every family I work with, I hope I’m shifting birth outcomes, empowering women, and inspiring future generations of doulas and advocates. #ChooseJoy is the freedom to choose the life you desire.”
A Message from the Alumni Association at GovState:
Joy, thank you for sharing your story with us. Your resilience, advocacy, and passion for uplifting mothers and families embody the spirit of Governors State University. We are proud to celebrate you as a Jaguar alumna and inspired by the hope and joy you continue to bring to your community.
Author: Jocelyn Bell, Alumni Relations Communication Coordinator