Lerone Joseph

Dr. Lerone Joseph is a dedicated Youth Advocate and Scholar-Practitioner with over a decade of progressive experience in young adult development, higher education, and community engagement. Lerone Joseph is a strategic visionary, youth workforce architect, and purpose-driven leader redefining how cities prepare young people for the future. With over 15 years of experience in education, youth development, and municipal leadership, Lerone currently serves as Program and Operations Director Youth Engagement Services in the City of Richmond. He leads a portfolio of high-impact programs that equip youth ages 14–24 with the tools, training, and opportunities needed to thrive in a multi-generational workforce. Dr. Joseph holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Albany (SUNY) and a master’s in justice administration and public policy from the University of New Haven. He also possesses multiple certifications relevant to youth development, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Restorative Justice, Workplace Excellence, and Youth Mental Health First Aid. His educational achievements have been honored with Excellence Awards from Winston-Salem State University in 2013 and Auburn University in 2017. In 2021, he earned his Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Liberty University, with his research concentrating on leadership development and advancement of African American males in predominantly white institutions.