Barry Joseph

STRATEGIC CONSULTANT, LEARNING DESIGNER
& EXHIBIT CURATOR

Barry Joseph has played a pivotal role in shaping the vision and direction of the Harlem Gallery of Science's gaming initiatives since joining the organization in the spring of 2021. As a strategic advisor and creative partner, he has over two decades of experience at the intersection of education, nonprofit innovation, and game-based learning. 

His introduction to the Harlem Gallery of Science came through a long-standing professional relationship with City College of New York's Dean of Science. His initial task was to understand why high school students living in Harlem, Upper Manhattan, and the South Bronx played video games. His findings provided the basis for the Gaming Pathways program, a collaboration between Urban Arts, the Harlem Gallery of Science, and City College. One outcome of this collaboration was the creation of a Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Game Design at City College. 

Joseph supports the Gallery wherever his expertise is most needed, offering insights into the evolving landscape of gaming and its cultural significance, particularly among young people of color in New York City. He is particularly drawn to the organization's commitment to addressing inequities in access to STEM and creative industries, helping students explore their interests and imagine future pathways.

For Joseph, the most rewarding part of this work is witnessing how students engage with these experiences. He is continually inspired by the ways young people use games to reflect on their lives, express themselves, and explore complex ideas. A core value that guides his work is the importance of moving beyond transactional relationships. He strives to foster experiences that are relational, reflective, and transformative for both the individuals involved and the communities they serve.