Her Story
About Joyce
Joyce A. Prigot, PhD, is a fine art painter, developmental psychologist, educator, writer, and editor based in Boynton Beach, Florida. Having painted since childhood, she works primarily in oils and creates landscapes, still lifes, and works across a variety of genres. She also teaches painting to adults, sharing her knowledge and experience with artists in her community. Prigot pursued four years of part-time study at the Art Students League and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Queens College. Her artistic accomplishments include multiple awards from community art shows, art fairs, and art school exhibitions.
Alongside her artistic career, Prigot brings nearly three decades of academic research experience in developmental psychology. She earned a PhD in Developmental and Child Psychology from Stony Brook University and conducted research focused on memory development in infancy as well as drawing development in children and adults. Her academic career included a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship in memory research, and she earned an American Psychological Association award for her graduate dissertation. Her interdisciplinary background in psychology, research, statistics, education, and the arts has strengthened her ability to approach creative and professional challenges with both analytical rigor and curiosity. She has also worked extensively as a writer and editor, including authoring an article about a mentor painter.
Prigot is also deeply committed to professional and community involvement. She has served on nonprofit boards in leadership and operational capacities, including with the Women's National Book Association, and has contributed to organizations through membership outreach, fundraising, marketing, event planning, data analysis, and communications. She is a member of Who's Who and an artist member of Palm Beach County. Prigot attributes her success to the influence of her father, a Harvard-trained medical surgeon, whose example instilled in her a commitment to excellence, as well as the resilience she developed through personal hardships. She emphasizes the importance of education, self-trust, consistency, purposeful goal-setting, and lifelong learning, with the principles of Abraham Maslow and Stephen Covey further shaping her approach to personal and professional growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Joyce
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the values instilled in me by my father, a Harvard-trained medical surgeon, whose example inspired me to pursue excellence and make the most of every opportunity. Losing him at a young age taught me that each day is precious and reinforced the importance of using my time purposefully. When I no longer had the same level of family support, I turned to books and education as sources of knowledge, growth, and guidance. I believe my success has been shaped by continuous learning, self-trust, consistency, and the grit developed through overcoming adversity. The principles of self-actualization introduced by Abraham Maslow and the teachings of Stephen Covey have also influenced my approach to setting goals, managing my time effectively, and maintaining balance while continually striving to become the best version of myself.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to recognize, both intellectually and wholeheartedly, that each day is precious. I have learned to be intentional with my time, make meaningful choices, embrace opportunities for growth, and use each day purposefully rather than taking it for granted.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to pursue as much education as possible and take it seriously, particularly early in your career when your mind is highly adaptable and receptive to learning. Set high standards for yourself and focus on continuous growth rather than comparing yourself to others or settling for mediocrity. I also encourage women to be financially responsible and thoughtful about taking on debt. Most importantly, develop strong cognitive and problem-solving skills, as the ability to think critically, adapt, and approach challenges strategically will serve you throughout your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The painting world has become increasingly competitive, with a growing number of artists and diverse styles competing for visibility and recognition. One of the greatest challenges is identifying the most effective marketing and publicity strategies to reach the right audiences and build a strong presence. At the same time, this competitive environment presents an opportunity to expand my reach, explore new ways of connecting with audiences, and consistently promote my work with greater intention and professionalism.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are self-trust, self-worth, consistency, and compassion. I believe in developing a strong sense of confidence in my abilities and recognizing my own value without relying on external validation. I strive to create the discipline and consistency needed to make steady progress toward my goals, even through small, intentional steps. Equally important is my passion for helping others and building meaningful connections, which allows me to approach both my professional and personal relationships with empathy, authenticity, and purpose.
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