Joanne Ball-Burgess
- Professional Experience: Specialist in education strategy, communications, and engagement, with leadership roles including Head of Communications for Bermuda’s Education Reform Unit and Relief Communications Officer for the Ministry of Transport.
- Education & Enrichment Experience: Founded The Cottage School in Kenya, creating STEM-focused curricula and supporting students with learning differences; led environmental education programs with BUEI, launching Bermuda’s first YRE competition.
- International Experience: Advocated for youth through performing arts and life-skills programs in Papua New Guinea and served as a dance mentor and judge on East Africa’s top dance show, Sakata Mashariki.
- Arts and Education Leadership: Former Education Officer at Bermuda National Gallery, curated programs to engage students and the public in visual arts and history education
- Education and Credentials: Holds an M.Ed. in Education and Organizational Management from Endicott College and a B.A. in History and Philosophy from Oral Roberts University, with additional training in brand awareness and copyright from Harvard Law School.
- Author. Wrote and published The Lizard and The Rock and The Priceless Hogg Penny.
Meet Joanne
Joanne Ball-Burgess was born and raised in Warwick, Bermuda. Joanne received her B.A. in History & Philosophy from Oral Roberts University, and her M.Ed. in Education & Organizational Management from Endicott College. She is an Education Strategy, Communications, and Engagement Development Specialist.
In 2009, Joanne authored and published the best-selling children’s book, The Lizard and the Rock. She later wrote and published her second book, The Priceless Hogg Penny, and released The Lizard and the Rock soundtrack, composing most of the songs herself. The theme song, “Free to Be Me,” was honored as a winner during Bermuda’s 400th Anniversary Celebrations.
Joanne has built a life that has been both education and performing-arts focused, both in Bermuda and while living abroad in Kenya and Papua New Guinea.
She was the founder of The Cottage School in Nairobi, an interdisciplinary educational institution that focused on STEM technology, life sciences, and performing arts. As an avid dancer, she served as the main dance judge for the #1 dance show in East Africa, Sakata Mashariki for four seasons.
In Papua New Guinea, Joanne designed and managed education programs using performing, therapeutic movement and training in soft skills to support the holistic development of underserved youth.
Since returning to Bermuda, Joanne has been a key contributor at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI), where she has spearheaded environmental educational programs and successfully launched Bermuda’s first Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) competition.
She also served as the Lead for Communications and Engagement in the Education Reform Unit through the Ministry of Education.
Joanne is the proud mother of three sons, who inspire her daily to work toward creating a better future for the next generation.