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Joanna Black’s mantra ‘The Power of Purpose. The Will of Women. The Gift of Giving.’ is changing how companies work and how people live.

For more than 20 years, Joanna has been a leader in social responsibility, sustainability, wellness and women’s empowerment. She has consulted for some of the world’s largest companies on corporate responsibility and purpose; co-founded Hip-E Living, one of the country’s first eco-lifestyle retailers; re-ignited environmental activation as managing director of Earth Day New York; and empowered women by founding SheWorks Collective, New York City’s first work space, event space and community for women.

Joanna’s most recent venture, Curating Simplicity, is a wellness technology company that helps people reimagine their lives around purpose, starting with decluttering and organizing their spaces.

Curating Simplicity was more than two years in the making, born from Joanna’s personal and professional experiences, her passions and her vision to create a better world. Joanna speaks regularly about the journey she has taken to create Curating Simplicity and strives to inspire people and companies across the nation to embrace their power of purpose.

Joanna and her work has been featured in national and local media including: The Sundance Channel, ABC News, The New York Post, Reuters, TreeHugger.com, NY Metro Newspaper, Women’s Wear Daily and Good Housekeeping.

Career Highlights

In her 40s

  • Founded Curating Simplicity, a wellness technology company that helps people reimagine their lives around purpose, starting with decluttering and organizing their spaces
  • Founded SheWorks Collective, New York City’s first co-working and event space that supports women entrepreneurs
  • Gave birth to her second child

In her 30s

  • Founded Up to More Good advising Fortune 500 companies on corporate social responsibility and purpose and consulting purpose-driven wellness, fashion, technology, lifestyle, and beauty brands
  • Certified by The Global Reporting Initiative as a consult on transparent reporting on corporate social sustainability practices
  • Co-founded Hip-E Living one the country’s first eco-lifestyle retail businesses.  The Woodstock, NY store attracted visitors from all over the world who came to explore and learn about the products featured
  • Board Member of Bicycle for a Day.  A nonprofit that educates people about bicycling and the positive impact it has on ones health, the environment and community
  • As Managing Director at Earth Day New York, Joanna was instrumental in securing the funding and development of more than 300 indoor gardens in New York City public schools.  Raised the profile and call to action of the nonprofit by creating high-value partnerships with celebrities, media outlets and sustainability-minded brands and retailers
  • Gave birth to her first child

In her 20s 

  • Launched Blink NY, a beauty and lifestyle PR firm in NYC that was recognized by Women’s Wear Daily’s IT List as one of the top 100 in the country
  • Conceptualized and launched the first Beauty and Wellness Lounge at Bryant Park Hotel for New York Fashion Week
  • Traveled the country with celebrity makeup artists and hair stylists to launch their eco-friendly makeup and skincare product lines
  • Co-founded a beauty boutique in Toronto and New York featuring niche beauty brands
  • Launched The Exotic Escape Manicure Bar featuring ShuUemura cosmetics.  Attracted international attention around her concept of introducing color therapy, music therapy and salt therapy with her custom-blended products into the experience
  • Introduced “The Makeup Bag Cleanse” that encouraged women to simplify their beauty routine

In her teens

  • Majored in Environmental and Resource Studies at The University of Waterloo in Canada
  • Created VINE, the University’s first environmental student group
  • Singlehandedly secured funding and support from campus administration to introduce energy efficiency, recycling programs and wildlife conservation on campus
  • Volunteered with several community organizations in middle school and high school, including helping young children and teens with disabilities

As a young child

  • Expert digger of worms
  • Skilled catcher of frogs