Joy Jackson-Guilford, MS, PhD

Joy Jackson-Guilford, MS, PhD, is a respected pharmaceutical industry leader who retired after 28 years of impactful service across medical affairs, clinical science, and equality, diversity, and inclusion leadership. With a strong scientific foundation rooted in her PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology and an MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Joy built a distinguished career at organizations including AbbVie, Abbott, and Ortho Biotech. Her work spanned immunology, neuroscience, gastroenterology, and rheumatology, where she was known for developing high-performing teams, fostering key opinion leader relationships, and advancing inclusive pipeline partnerships within the life sciences.

Throughout her career, Joy combined scientific rigor with people-centered leadership, ultimately serving as Director of Pipeline Partnerships – Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at AbbVie. In this role, she helped shape strategies that expanded access, representation, and opportunity within the pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem. Beyond corporate leadership, Joy is deeply committed to service and legacy. She is an active mentor and community leader and was recently recognized by Black Enterprise Magazine for her role in helping lead the historic return of the Gamma Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® to Morris Brown College after 23 years—serving as the first Graduate Advisor in this renewed chapter.

In semi-retirement, Joy is channeling her passion into entrepreneurship, education, and community impact. In July 2025, she opened Precious Solemates, a children’s shoe store in McDonough, Georgia, specializing in classic hard-bottom shoes designed to support healthy foot development. She also plans to partner with hospitals to provide educational sessions for new parents on the importance of proper footwear for babies, including first-walker initiatives with supportive resources and coupons. Additionally, Joy leads the JJG STEAM Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing scholarships in science education to students in Metro Atlanta—continuing her lifelong mission to uplift, educate, and invest in future generations.

• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University - Ph.D.