Joya Stetson serves as the Community and Economic Development Director at Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA). She focuses on the strategic development of partnerships with community members, businesses, and organizations to optimize planning and service for the region. Prior to joining MVTA, Joya spent nearly a decade working in non-profit leadership and economic development for rural municipalities creating a holistic perspective of how transit planning impacts and is impacted by more general community planning processes. Joya is also currently pursuing her Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Illinois where she adjunct instructs community development courses.