Joyce McMillan

Joyce McMillan is founder of the Parent Legislative Action Network, leading a statewide coalition of parents, youth, advocates, and professionals dedicated to systemic change. She is also the founder and executive director of Just Making a Change for Families. Drawing on her own lived experience as a parent impacted by the system, Joyce champions family reunification and the strengthening of parent voices. She is a visiting fellow at The New School’s Center for New York City Affairs, serves on the board of the Women’s Prison Association, and advises social policy organizations. Previously, McMillan directed advocacy and engagement efforts at Sinergia Inc. and the Child Welfare Organizing Project, supporting families affected by systemic injustices. Recognized for her leadership, she has received City & State’s Nonprofit Power 100 honor and the Trailblazer Award from Brooklyn Defender Services. McMillan is a frequent speaker at major universities and has been featured in media outlets including Al Jazeera, The New York Times, and ProPublica.