Joel Savary is a U.S. National and International figure skating coach based in Washington, D.C., with a lifelong passion for expanding access and excellence in the sport. He is the founder of Diversify Ice Foundation, the largest cultural movement figure skating has ever seen—dedicated to empowering skaters from untapped and emerging communities to thrive both on and off the ice. Joel is also the visionary behind District Ice Rink, an initiative working to establish the nation’s first Black-owned competitive figure skating rink, right in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Joel is widely recognized for coaching his younger brother, Emmanuel Savary, who has earned titles including U.S. Junior National Champion and multiple international medals. As part of Emmanuel’s coaching team, Joel has played a key role in helping him rise to the elite ranks of Team USA, where Emmanuel now competes at the Senior Men’s Championship level.
A former professional performer, Joel has toured internationally with productions like Disney on Ice. Today, he continues to inspire the next generation, coaching skaters of all ages and abilities, while building a stronger future for the sport through new pathways and opportunities for skaters of all backgrounds.