A Life of Resilience and Service #

Joyce Short, 77, has lived through significant events and personal challenges, using her experiences to fuel a life dedicated to helping others.

Surviving and Thriving #

As a former bond trader, Short was present in Lower Manhattan during the September 11 attacks. Running for her life as the World Trade Center towers collapsed, she describes the experience as an awakening that inspired her to create a better society.

Dedication to Youth Development #

Short’s commitment to community service is evident in her work with New York Junior Tennis and Learning, a nonprofit serving 90,000 children annually. She runs programs, coaches fitness, and teaches life skills to young athletes.

Her involvement extends to a Scholar Athlete Program, aimed at preparing competitive kids for college. Short emphasizes the importance of building positive character and relationships, especially in the aftermath of Covid-19’s social disruptions.

Advocacy Born from Personal Experience #

Having survived childhood trauma and sexual assault, Short founded the Consent Awareness Network in 2009. The organization works to change laws around consent, driven by Short’s personal experiences and her desire to protect others.

A Day in the Life #

Short’s typical Sunday begins early, with a 4:30 AM wake-up call. She heads to the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club by 6 AM to coach young tennis players. The day continues with more coaching sessions at the Cary Leeds Center in the Bronx, followed by work on her advocacy projects.

To maintain balance, Short engages in pickleball games with friends and enjoys simple pleasures like watching cartoons with her students or taking walks with her dog, Casey.

Resilience Through Athletics #

Short credits athletics for giving her the resilience and drive to overcome life’s challenges. She aims to impart these benefits to the young people she works with, hoping to equip them with the tools to succeed in life.

Through her various roles as a coach, advocate, and community leader, Joyce Short continues to channel her experiences into creating positive change and supporting the next generation.