Joy Rich speaks at the Susan G. Komen Greater Fort Worth MORE THAN PINK Walk.
When Joy Rich ’86 arrived at TCU from San Francisco, she didn’t know a single person in Texas. She began as a ballet major but soon found her voice in strategic communication, earning a Bachelor of Science in journalism with an emphasis in advertising and public relations and a minor in marketing.
Today, she is putting that to work for the greater good. Rich is the executive director of Susan G. Komen of Greater Fort Worth, a nonprofit powerhouse in breast cancer awareness.
“It all came full circle,” she said. “Everything I had done led to this moment.”
As a student at TCU, Rich immersed herself in campus life. She joined Delta Gamma, contributed to the sorority’s ANCHORA magazine and became active in the Public Relations Student Society of America. When her father passed away from cancer her freshman year, the TCU community supported her through scholarships, work-study and mentorship.
“TCU took care of me,” she said. “A degree from TCU opens doors — especially in Fort Worth.”
After graduating, Rich began her career in marketing research at Pier 1 Imports. She spent more than 20 years at the company, rising through the ranks in public relations and media relations. She led campaigns that secured national media coverage and helped launch a cause-related marketing partnership with Susan G. Komen, at a time when breast cancer awareness was still an emerging conversation.
“It’s all PR and marketing — relationship-building, storytelling and making people care.”
The experience sparked Rich’s deeper involvement with Komen. She volunteered as the awards chair for the Greater Fort Worth’s first Race for the Cure in 1993. Handmaking all the pink ribbons within each leucite trophy made for each of the race winners.
Joy Rich with Beau, the Golden Retriever, at the Susan G. Komen Greater Fort Worth MORE THAN PINK Walk.
In 2007, Rich transitioned fully into nonprofit development work, spending more than 13 years refining her skills in fundraising and community engagement at All Saints Episcopal School in Fort Worth as the development and annual giving director. In 2021, following a national restructuring at Komen, she was invited to return as executive director for Komen Greater Fort Worth to help rebuild the local mission.
In her current role, Rich re-launched the Greater Fort Worth’s MORE THAN PINK Walk for the Cure and helped create a new partnership with TCU through “Pink-Out” games — collaborative events with TCU women’s athletics that raise breast cancer awareness and celebrate survivors — such as TCU Volleyball’s “Dig Pink” game this season.
Rich now serves as president of the Delta Gamma local alumnae group and continues to mentor future communicators. Her advice for students is rooted in purpose and exploration.
“It’s just as important to find out what you don’t want to do.”
“Volunteer, build your network and get out there. Find a team that complements your strengths — and do what needs to be done.”