As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the voices and stories of Black individuals who shape our community. Among them is a remarkable leader on the Campus Life Services team, whose journey as a Black and Korean woman in leadership embodies the power of cultural understanding and perseverance.
Trammell with colleagues Jon and Kira.
Joanna Trammell, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, grew up in Oakland, California, where she was one of a few Black students at her elementary and middle school. Often feeling like an outsider, she found a safe haven within her family. Her father, who was Black, and her mother, who was Korean, created a home that honored both cultures, blending traditions in a way that embodied the American experience of cultural diaspora. Coming from a multi-cultural background gave her experiences that shape how she approaches inclusion as a leader.
Trammell attributes her deep connection to her heritage to what she calls the three F’s: Faith, Food, and Family. “Many in my family turned to faith to carry us through difficult times and to show compassion to others,” she shares.
Food was another powerful connection, as her family celebrated Thanksgiving as a cherished tradition in their home, where her father’s love language was cooking. He poured his heart into each dish, creating meals that brought people together. His generosity and warmth shaped the way she builds connections today with cultural appreciation and a deep respect for others. Most importantly, her father instilled the value of family.
“Visiting my grandma and aunts in Texas always brought me back to the importance of family," she reflects. Her father made sure she understood the hardships and racism life might bring, but also that family would always be a grounding force. “Having that nucleus and foundation to rely on and come back to are always important.”
Trammell with her father and mother.
Her father, born in 1925, lived through segregation, the Great Depression, and the civil rights movement. Though he rarely spoke of these struggles, he shared glimpses of his past as Trammell grew older. "He didn’t talk much about what he went through, but the stories he did share were heartbreaking and appalling," she recalls.
"He went to work every day, carrying the weight of those experiences, and never let it break him. That’s why I believe we must always be sensitive to people’s hidden struggles—we never truly know what they are carrying."
Trammell took the stories of her history as lessons to foster inclusivity and respect in the workplace. "He always told me, 'Remember where you come from, and always open the door for others.' That’s something I live by."
She encourages cultural awareness among her team by creating spaces for open dialogue. "I want people to feel comfortable sharing their culture, whether through food, stories or traditions. Celebrating diversity is essential to a strong team."
While Black History Month is a time for reflection, Trammell believes its significance should extend throughout the year. "It’s important to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of African Americans every day," she shares.
She reflects on those who have impacted her life, including her father, mentors, African American women in the UC system, and one of her role models, Marian Wright Edelman, an American activist for civil rights and founder of the Children's Defense Fund. Meeting the activist in her early 20s left a lasting impression. "She had a profound impact, not just through her tireless efforts but also through her graciousness, kindness, and thoughtfulness."
Trammell with her daughter and husband.
Trammell continues to foster understanding, inclusion, and belonging by embracing all aspects of her multi-cultural background and encouraging future generations to do the same.
"Society often pressures people to choose one identity over another, but you don’t have to. My daughter, who is Korean, African American, Mexican, and Irish, once asked me, 'Which one am I?' I told her, 'You are all of them.'"
Trammell’s leadership empowers the UCSF community to embrace diverse backgrounds and foster inclusivity. As a champion for equality and representation, she is helping to shape a more forward-thinking workplace that considers the diversity of the world in UCSF’s mission to advance healthcare worldwide. The journey toward true inclusivity is ongoing, and it requires constant vigilance to create an environment where all voices are valued in higher education.
