Author/Speaker/Influencer

In her debut novel 15. 19. 23., she details her experiences with teen pregnancy and motherhood, young marriage, and divorce.

An inspirational quote from her novel 15.19.23. made an appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show in the form of a featured coffee mug moment! She was selected as a Distinguished Author of Alabama by the Better Together Book Tour for the month of June in 2023. She was also chosen as one of the Inspiring Women of the Gulf Coast in 2024.

She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Faulkner University. For eight years, Joi worked with the Mobile County Public School System as a Paraprofessional and Registrar.

Joi West Phalo is the author of 6 current published works, and is also featured in a collection of stories titled Moments for Moms III: Journeys of Joy & Resilience. Her most recent release is SCE: Navigating Life As A Teen Mom. She is the founder of She Changes Everything, an organization created to inspire and encourage teen moms and teen girls to overcome the shame, adversities, stereotypes, and challenges of young motherhood through community, education, resources, and literature.

West Phalo prioritizes community impact and keeps invoking positive change at the heart of her work. Her ultimate goal is to change lives one book at a time!

When she is not cultivating her purpose and passions, Joi enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with family.

She is a devoted wife to her husband Derrick and mother to their four children.