Joan Cole

Joan Cole earned a high school diploma from Cardinal Mooney High School, a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York, and a graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin. Her career experience includes working as a businesswoman.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a first-generation American and a first-generation college graduate who earned my Masters in Business Administration while raising my children full-time. I began my career in purchasing at a small, family-owned welding distributor in Rochester, New York, where I was born and raised. I worked for Eastman Kodak in their award-winning Customer Equipment Services Division in customer service, technical support and market research roles where I excelled at turning complex problems into practical, results-oriented solutions, always with a focus on outstanding customer satisfaction.

I spent many years as a stay-at-home mom, volunteering in our children's schools and activities while navigating the challenges of a single-income budget and an active family's lifestyle.

I have worked for the travel and tourism, higher-education, healthcare consulting and digital marketing industries in various capacities as a contractor and an employee, and I understand the challenges that workers face in today's economy.

I am a wife of almost 37 years, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a cousin and a friend.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The rising cost of living (especially housing, healthcare, food, and utilities), is putting enormous pressure on working families and seniors. I believe we must expand housing opportunities to help stabilize prices and grow the tax base, attract diverse businesses and good-paying jobs, invest in workforce development, and provide targeted tax relief so Maryland remains a place where young adults can get started, families can build a future and seniors can retire with financial security and peace of mind.Public safety also requires a comprehensive approach. That means improving traffic and pedestrian safety along dangerous corridors like Mountain Road and Ft. Smallwood Road, investing in safer roadway design and transit options, and supporting community-focused violence prevention strategies. I support responsible gun safety measures, secure firearm storage, mental health resources, and violence intervention programs while respecting Second Amendment rights.Healthcare and elder care are deeply personal to me. I will fight to make healthcare more affordable and accessible while improving support for seniors, caregivers, and long-term care services so older adults can age safely, maintain their independence, and receive the high quality of care they deserve.

Finally, protecting the Chesapeake Bay and investing in education are essential to Maryland’s future. Supporting the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, strengthening teacher retention, and preparing students for college, careers, and skilled trades will help build an educated workforce capable of sustaining our environment, economy, and communities for generations to come.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about education and supporting all learners in their field of choice and throughout their lifetimes, public safety and gun violence (and other forms of violence) prevention, and increasing access to healthcare because no one should have to choose between their health and going bankrupt.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County, Maryland State Educators Association, Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1994 MCGEO, Reproductive Justice Maryland Action, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, Council on American-Islamic Relations Action, U.S. Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, Maryland State Senator Dawn Gile, Maryland State Delegate Mark Chang, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, Anne Arundel County Sheriff Everett Sesker and others.