Ms. Gaskins was born in Washington D.C., but raised in the City of Philadelphia, Pa. She attended public schools and completed her collegiate studies in Philadelphia, at Saint Joseph’s University, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science in 1969 and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Antioch University, Yellow Springs Ohio, Philadelphia Campus in 1981.

After graduating from Saint Joseph’s University, Joyce joined the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as an Intern, in the Intern Class of 1969. After the completion of her Intern Year, she was appointed as a Relocation Specialist, serving in that capacity until January of 1979, at which time Joyce became a Community Planning and Development Representative. Joyce remained in that position until being selected as a Program Manager in November of 1984. She served in that capacity until January of 1995, at which time she was selected for the position of Director, Community Planning and Development division, the position she currently holds.