Joan Ojo lives in South Fayette Township with her husband, Kelvin, and she’s a busy mom to three children: Talia (11), Sofia (8) and Isaiah (12 months). She balances motherhood with the demanding work of being a lawyer and is deeply committed to serving her community, lending her time and expertise to various boards and causes. Whether in her professional life or at home, Ojo makes it a priority to lead with empathy and understanding.
Tell us a little about your family. What does life look like right now?
Our home is full, energetic and deeply grounding. With three children spanning middle school to babyhood, our days range from homework and school activities to bottles, nap schedules and bedtime routines. It is a season that requires flexibility and patience, but it is also incredibly rich. We are navigating very different developmental stages at once — growing independence on one end and complete dependence on the other. Though there are busy moments and logistical challenges, there is also profound joy in watching our older children grow while nurturing a new life at the same time.
This season constantly reminds us of what matters most.
How do you and your spouse approach parenting as a team, especially during particularly demanding seasons?
We approach parenting as a partnership rooted in communication and mutual respect. In demanding seasons, whether it’s trial prep, travel or sleepless nights, we try to be intentional about dividing responsibilities and stepping in for one another without keeping score. We’ve learned that flexibility is essential. Sometimes, one of us carries more professionally; other times one carries more at home. What keeps us aligned is the shared understanding that we are building something together: a stable, loving environment for our children. We check in often, adjust when needed and extend grace to one another when things aren’t perfect.
What values are most important to you as you raise your children, and how do you try to model them?
Integrity, discipline, faith, compassion and perseverance are central in our home. We want our children to understand that character matters more than achievement. I model integrity by honoring my commitments, both at work and at home. I model discipline by pursuing excellence in my profession while still showing up consistently for my family.
Compassion is something we talk about often: treating people with dignity, even in disagreement. And perseverance is lived out in the way we continue moving forward through fatigue, setbacks or demanding seasons.
What do you hope your children learn by watching you pursue leadership in a traditionally demanding field?
I want my daughters to see that their ambitions are not in conflict with motherhood, and I want my son to see women lead with clarity and authority. And I want all three of my children to understand that excellence and integrity are non-negotiable, especially when no one is watching.
When you imagine your future self, what values do you hope guide you most?
I hope to be guided by wisdom, fairness, humility and compassion. As a judge, I would want every person in my courtroom to feel heard and respected, regardless of the outcome. As a parent, I want my children to feel secure, valued and deeply loved.
Ultimately, I hope my life reflects balance — not perfection, but alignment. A commitment to justice in my professional role and grace in my personal one. And when my children look back, I hope they remember not just what I accomplished but how I lived with conviction, steadiness and love.
Family Favorites
Weekend Activity: Shopping and watching soccer games
Sports Team: New York Knicks
Family Movie: “GOAT”
Date Night Plans: Dinner and movies or a concert
Family Restaurant: Seafood Tango (Washington, PA)
Carrie Woodard is a National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and a Pittsburgh mama of two.
