Joyce Granger

In prison, they take everything from you—except your words. First incarcerated at 13 and sentenced to mandatory life without parole at 17, Joyce spent 35 years behind bars. Despite the the dehumanizing system she found herself in, she used her voice to advocate for change—both within the prison walls and now outside of them.

While incarcerated, Joyce pursued every opportunity to learn and grow. She participated in the Inside/Out program, earned multiple university certifications, and developed new skills that shaped her path forward. Today, she is a talented artist, writer, and co-founder of SWAG (Sisters With a Goal), a social justice initiative within Why Not Prosper. She is also an alumna of the Rising Scholars program at Penn State and remains committed to lifelong learning.

Joyce’s journey has given her a powerful voice and perspective on resilience, justice, and transformation. She speaks to inspire, challenge perceptions, and encourage people to make choices that shape a better future.