2024 Keynote Speaker Highlight: Joanna Kelley

About Joanna

Joanna Kelley is the founder of Cup of Joe cafe & bar in downtown Portsmouth and a New Hampshire native. Joanna is passionate about non profit and advocacy work in the state. She grew up primarily with her grandparents and as a ward of the state.

She is one of the founders of The New England BIPOC cultural festival and serving board member for many organizations including: The Seacoast African American Cultural center, Strawberry Banke Museum, 603 Forward Foundations and The Chase Childrens Home.

Joanna is the Assistant Mayor of Portsmouth serving her second term; having been the first African American elected to Portsmouth City Council and the first African American Assistant Mayor in the state of New Hampshire.