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Dr. Lynnette Adams, PhD, is a behavioral and leadership scientist, founder and executive director of The Joy Lab Inc., and creator of The Formula for Joy™, a research-informed leadership framework that demonstrates how joy can strengthen leadership, resilience, and belonging. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, higher education, philanthropy, and community engagement, she designs innovative programs that help individuals and organizations lead with purpose while creating environments where people feel connected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

A graduate of Pepperdine University with a doctorate in Global Leadership and Change, Dr. Adams' research explores how joy-centered practices can transform leadership, foster resilience, and cultivate belonging in individuals, organizations, and communities. She believes every young person has the capacity to lead and that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for developing confidence, connection, and the next generation of community leaders. Known as The Joy Architect™, she bridges research and practice through speaking, teaching, consulting, and program design, helping leaders build cultures where people can flourish and meaningful change can take root.

Science

The

and

Spirit

of Joy

Iterative Joyfulness
Authentic Leadership
Truth Telling

Inspiring Team Connections
Continuous Growth
Balanced Well Being

Authenticity + growth

Alignment

A=

well-being + Joy practice

N=

Nourishment

D=

Deep Connection

Community + candor

Formula

The

Joy

lives

in our DNA

Vision

OUR

&

Mission

Our Mission

The Joy Lab Inc. develops the next generation of joy-centered leaders by equipping young people with the tools to build confidence, resilience, emotional intelligence, and meaningful connections that strengthen themselves and their communities.

Our Vision

A world where the next generation leads with joy, creating more compassionate, connected, and resilient communities.

Who We Serve

We serve emerging leaders ages 14–30 through transformative programs and experiences that cultivate identity, belonging, resilience, purpose, and joy-centered leadership.

Through storytelling, leadership development, community connection, and experiential learning, we create spaces where young people can discover their voice, strengthen their confidence, and develop the skills needed to navigate life and lead with impact.

Who Walks With Us

Joy Builders are the mentors, partners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders who believe investing in the next generation changes everything.

Through their wisdom, resources, relationships, and support, Joy Builders help create environments where emerging leaders are seen, supported, and empowered to become who they were created to be.

“Before young people can lead the world, they must believe they belong in it.”

— Lynnette Adams, Founder of Joy Lab

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MSG Gary Vincent Jones is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at The Joy Lab Inc., where he leads day-to-day operations, builds systems, and ensures programs are delivered with excellence, care, and equity. He is currently serving in the United States Army as a Master Sergeant and brings more than 20 years of experience in logistics, operations, and people-centered leadership into the organization.

Gary has completed advanced Army training, including the Master Leader Course, Battle Staff, and Training Management, and holds certifications in contracting, sexual assault response, suicide prevention, resilience, and budget/finance—reflecting his commitment to safety and human-first leadership.

At The Joy Lab Inc., he oversees operations, finance and HR, and makes sure youth, leadership, and community experiences are resourced, organized, and joy-centered. He chose to serve with The Joy Lab because he believes in its vision to create healing, joyful, and equitable spaces.

His mission is simple: build an organization where joy and operational excellence work together so people can thrive.

Dr. Tonya Garcia-Arnold is an accomplished STEM educator and district leader with over 15 years of experience strengthening teaching, leadership, and school culture across Texas. As Chief Impact Officer at The Joy Lab, Inc., she leads initiatives that elevate instructional leadership, empower teacher leaders, and embed Joyful Leadership as a sustainable, research-based model for schoolwide improvement.

Her work focuses on equipping principals, coaches, and teachers with practical, evidence-based tools that improve instruction, build positive campus cultures, and help educators lead with clarity, confidence, and joy. She specializes in systems leadership, data-driven decision-making, teacher development, and instructional innovation.

Dr. Garcia-Arnold brings a unique background that includes secondary science education, petrochemical research with Shell Chemical USA (including co-authorship on a U.S. patent), and leadership roles in curriculum design and instructional technology. She is also the founder and CEO of STEMresearch LLC, where she develops future-ready STEM and workforce alignment solutions.

She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, a master’s degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Prairie View A&M University.

At The Joy Lab, she is committed to building joyful, resilient schools where educators thrive and students succeed.