Joya has over two decades of legal experience in ethics and compliance, litigation, tax, and bankruptcy law.  She has a Master’s degree in Business Ethics and Compliance, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies.  She has obtained three certifications as a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional, Mediator and Legal Assistant. In March 2025, she received the Bette Stead Woman of Integrity Award on behalf of Greater Houston Business Ethics Roundtable.

She currently is the Business Ethics Business Partner for North America at Drax, a UK-based company that aims to become carbon negative through bioenergy with carbon capture and storage.  She is an adjunct professor for Center for Advanced Legal Studies in Houston, Texas.  She has a rich background from working in various law firms and global companies such as Enron, Baker Hughes, Weatherford, Transocean, Shell Oil Company, CPChem, and Applied Materials.

She serves on the Boards of Greater Houston Business Ethics Roundtable, and Houston Metropolitan Paralegal Association.   Her professional memberships and networks include The National Society of Leadership and Success, National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics, Houston Metropolitan Paralegal Association, and Greater Houston Business Ethics Roundtable.