Joyce Vaughn

Innovation Hub Director, MGMWERX

Joyce is the first African-American female to serve as director of MGMWERX. Joyce leads a team of professionals in the execution of innovation projects on behalf of Air University at Maxwell AFB and connects Air University to businesses and academics in the area. She works to improve her community through involvement in organizations including 21Dreams and the Five Points Cultural Commission.

When did you start your current job?

I\’ve been with MGMWERX for three years but started as director in June of 2022.

What is your main role at your company?

I lead a team of A+ professionals to execute innovation projects on behalf of Air University at Maxwell AFB and connect our military partner, AU, to the many nontraditional businesses and academics in our ecosystem.

What is your number one career accomplishment or highlight?

History is made in many ways and I\’m honored to contribute as I am the first African American female to serve as a director for my company.

How are you involved in your community?

I live and work in downtown Montgomery so I often get to overlap my day job with community efforts. I\’m a part of a community of folks that are dedicated to making downtown and all of Montgomery better through events for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders. I\’m very involved in the progress of Cottage Hill as a member of the Five Points Cultural Commission. You\’ll find me working at Hilltop on any given weekday. Staying connected to our art scene is also very important to me.

In addition to staying close to the efforts of The King\’s Canvas and 21Dreams, I am a member of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts\’ Modern Montgomery group focused on making the museum more accessible to more of Montgomery. MGMWERX is also working with 21Dreams and our military partner on a project to connect Airmen with art therapy. I\’m fortunate that my day job allows me to serve the community as well.

What is your key to success?

There are lots of pieces of advice and wisdom that have helped me along the way such as being clear on how I define success and pursuing that with joy and courage have been central to my progress in life. Equally, cheering myself on and trusting God through tough times has been a grounding source in my life. Having that point of inner stability along with a community of friends and family that love and support me has allowed me to accomplish so much personally and professionally.

Check out the other members of CentrAL INC’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2023!