Joanna Furgiuele is the Senior Manager, Alumni Programs at the i-lab.
Joanna is passionate about entrepreneurship and education, bringing experience in building partnerships, designing impactful programming, and driving operational excellence to support innovation. She began her career working in youth development and outdoor education at a U.S. nonprofit organization. Her graduate studies opened doors to international work with youth agri-entrepreneurs in coffee farming communities across Latin American and East Africa.
After moving to the Boston area, Joanna worked at a business accelerator, developing programs to equip early-stage entrepreneurs with essential skills and networks. Most recently, she served as a fundraiser and grant writer, securing funding for youth programs—including entrepreneurship initiatives—at a local chapter of a global nonprofit.Joanna earned her B.A. in Biology/Ecology from the University of Montana.
She then pursued an MBA from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School and a Masters in Environmental Management from Duke University. Born and raised in Yonkers, NY, Joanna is an explorer at heart. She has lived in Montana, Nevada, and North Carolina, as well as Guatemala and Peru. She currently resides with her husband and pup Yuca, loves being with family and friends, nature walks, and salsa and bachata dancing.
