She served as an educator for more than 20 years, both in the South, where need was especially critical, and in New York City, where African-American migration had created a new community.

In her life, Shields demonstrated how African-American sororities supported women "to create spheres of influence, authority and power within institutions that traditionally have allowed African Americans and women little formal authority and real power.

Growing up, Berry attended private schools in Prince William County.

[4] At Howard University, Joanna earned a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude in social science and mathematics.

[3] After earning her degree, Berry returned to Virginia and taught at her old school, Manassas Institute.

In 1911, Berry moved to North Carolina, where she taught at Slater Normal School, creating generations of teachers, one of the most critical and prestigious professions in the South.

In 1920, with financial support of the Rosenwald Fund, she increased the school year for African-American children from three to six months.