Joanna Wheeler

Joanna Wheeler is a seasoned researcher and educator with extensive experience in participatory methodologies, social justice, and citizen engagement. As the Founder and Director of TransformativeStory since September 2021, Joanna has focused on empowering researchers to utilize storytelling for inclusive and transformative impacts. Currently serving as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of the Western Cape, Joanna's research delves into urban violence and the dynamics of informal governance in Cape Town, while previous roles have included research positions at the Centre for Trust, Peace, and Social Relations and the Sustainable Livelihoods Foundation. Joanna’s academic background includes a PhD in Development Studies from the University of Sussex, a Master's in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Bachelor's in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.