Joanna Gong (elected in 2024) is an arts specialist with a foundation in gemology and cultural diplomacy. Her multifaceted career has taken her from educational roles to auction houses and international exhibitions planning and development. Most recently Joanna was Director of Global Partnerships for the Republic of Benin’s inaugural pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale. She played a pivotal role in leveraging the Biennale for diplomatic soft power and developing Benin’s cultural capital, establishing key alliances with institutions and patrons to promote Beninese artists globally. Previously Joanna was Private Sales Director and Specialist at Sotheby’s where she specialized in gemology and antique jewels while also broadening the scope of Sotheby’s reach to new regions through innovative initiatives that engage new communities. Her work has been recognized and featured in various publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, New York Times and Flaunt Magazine. “My deepest interest in art is finding the common denominators—not to study how ‘unique’ we are, but rather how connected we are.” (article on Flaunt)