Joen Greenwood was a 1952 graduate of Mineral Point High School. She attended the University of Wisconsin, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in 1956 followed by her master’s degree in economics in 1957. She then headed to the University of California at Berkeley where she received a Fulbright Scholarship to Cambridge University, to study economics at Newham College. 

Greenwood taught economics for several years at Wellesley College before eventually joining the Charles River Associates in Boston and specialized in antitrust economics. Throughout her career, she mentored many women. 

Despite her departure from the Midwest, Greenwood kept and maintained ties to Mineral Point, and her alma mater by serving on the Women’s Philanthropy Council of the University of Wisconsin Foundation. She also served on the University of Wisconsin’s Alumni Association Board of Directors as a president of the WAA Greater Boston Chapter. 

Greenwood was committed to the arts, in particular to supporting female artists. She established the Joen Greenwood Fund for the Chazen at the University of Wisconsin to support the purchase or exhibition of art created by contemporary women artists or to fund publications. 

When asked to share thoughts on her aunt, Greenwood’s niece, Kris McCoy said, “My Aunt Joen was passionate about education and the opportunities it provided. She believed in supporting underrepresented populations, especially women through their education and careers. It was amazing to hear so many women speak at her memorial service about the impact she had on their lives as they navigated the world of economics and finance during  a time when few women were in positions of power.”

Joen Greenwood passed away April 12, 2012, leaving significant donations to support nonprofit organizations in Mineral Point including Hodan Community Services, the Mineral Point Historical Society, Shake Rag Center for the Arts, and the Mineral Point Public Library.