Diversify Ice Fellowship & Foundation (DIFF)
Joel is the founder and president of Diversify Ice Fellowship and Foundation (DIFF) and the organizer of the “Skate-Raiser” on Ice event.
He is an international and national figure skating coach based in the DMV area and has performed in skating shows around the world.
Growing up, Joel was drawn to skating because it offered something different from the more common sports in his community like basketball or football. As a young man in a sport not widely pursued by his peers, he often felt out of place. Figure skating lacked visibility among people from his background, and that gap became even more clear as he advanced competitively.
The high cost of the sport continues to keep many talented kids from new and untapped communities from pursuing skating seriously. Recognizing these challenges, Joel founded the Diversify Ice Foundation to offer support through funding, mentorship, resources, and connections to help these aspiring skaters succeed.
Beyond building talent, Joel believes skating can be a powerful outlet for youth—helping steer them away from negative influences and into something that builds discipline, confidence, and creativity. He aims to partner with schools and community centers nationwide to give more kids the opportunity to experience the joy and challenge of figure skating.
Come support the cause by joining us at the “Skate-Raiser” event!
Learn more at www.DiversifyIce.org/skateRaiser
Board Members: Tai Babilonia, Nathan Truesdell, Megan Stewart, Kelly Scavella, Alsean Bryant, Marvin Carr, Rohene Ward, Denise Viera,