Joeanna Xerri Biography

Joeanna Xerri has been and is serving as a board member of the European Down Syndrome Association for the past five years, actively contributing to European discussions and initiatives that promote the rights, inclusion, and participation of persons with Down syndrome.

Joeanna is also the President of the Down Syndrome Association Malta, a position she has held since May 2016. With over 20 years of experience in the voluntary and disability sector, she has played a key role in strengthening the organisation’s work and expanding opportunities for persons with Down syndrome in Malta through advocacy, community programmes, and EU-funded initiatives.

Her commitment to disability rights is also deeply personal. Joeanna is a mother of two children, one of whom has Down syndrome. This lived experience has been a strong motivation behind her advocacy for inclusive education, community participation, and equal opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities.

Academically, Joeanna holds a Diploma Level 5 in Psychology, a Higher Diploma in Community Access for Disabled Persons, and a Diploma Level 6 in Teaching and Learning. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Mental Health Literacy, further strengthening her expertise in wellbeing, inclusion, and support systems for vulnerable communities.

Throughout her work, Joeanna has led several successful European projects, including Erasmus+ initiatives that promote self-advocacy and social participation for persons with Down syndrome. She has also been actively involved in national and European disability networks, representing the voices of persons with Down syndrome and their families.

Joeanna remains committed to advancing inclusive policies, empowering self-advocates, and strengthening collaboration across Europe to ensure that persons with disabilities can fully participate in society.