Joka, JeanJean Joka, daughter of Mary and Walter Joka, grew up in the Roxborough-Manayunk section of Philadelphia. She learned to speak Polish from her grandmother, and at St. Josaphat's School. A graduate of John W. Hallahan Catholic High School for Girls, Jean attended St. Joseph's University Evening Division where she majored in Business Administration.
Jean's background includes working at Radio Stations WHAT-AM & WWDB-FM as secretary to the owners. She lived in Warsaw, Poland for several years, where she worked for the American Embassy in the Press & Cultural Department. Now Jean is employed by Turner Construction Company as an Administrative Assistant for a Senior Vice President. In 1982 she received the Staff Award, which is presented for outstanding contributions toward the improvement of the overall quality and performance of the company.
Since 1985 she has been a member of Executive Women International, and served as president in 1988 for the Philadelphia Chapter.
As a member of the Polish Heritage Society, she has worked on the Adam Styka Art Exhibit, Pulaski Day Parade, co-chaired the annual Frederic Chopin Concert, coordinated successful fund raising bus trips for the society, volunteered at the Kosciuszko House, and served on other committees. She presently is Corresponding Secretary for Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia and serves as Administrative Assistant for The American Council for Polish Culture (ACPC).
In addition, Jean volunteers at the Annual Art Show for the Committee to Benefit the Children, sponsored by St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the University City Arts League, and Union of Polish Women, Group 3. She resides in Roxborough and is a parishioner of St. Josaphat's Roman Catholic Church in Manayunk.
Her hobbies include the theater, travel and hiking.
From: Resume (1993)