MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Black leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference in politics, education, business, the arts or another area of interest.
Profiles of these leaders will be published leading up to the Juneteenth holiday on June 19. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Jacqueline Johnson (Courtesy photo)Courtesy photo
Jacqueline Johnson
Age: 38
Community: Springfield
Her Story: Growing up in a poor, single-parent household, Jacqueline Johnson always viewed education as a way to create a better future for herself. She now feels it is only right to use her education to advocate for others.
In addition to teaching at Bay Path University and serving as Chief Facilities Expansion and Sustainability Officer for Caring Health Center, Inc., Johnson works in youth development and social justice.
“I quickly took to becoming involved in youth advocacy work, as well as becoming a part of any program where I could help others,” Johnson explained.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College and a master’s from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Johnson received her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Organizational Studies from Bay Path University.
Based on her own experience, Johnson is committed to creating fair educational opportunities for underprivileged populations. Volunteerism in school committees, foundation boards and local activist programs has allowed her to do so.
Johnson believes it is vital that women like herself, who have earned their seat at the table, carve out spaces for those to follow in their footsteps.
“I am a reflection of many of the communities in which I work and live, and I have committed myself to being as involved as possible, serving as a cultural broker in community spaces,” Johnson said.
Her involvement in the community also allows her to be continually adaptive and in touch with people’s needs. She finds it a privilege to be the voice to facilitate such change, Johnson told MassLive.
“My volunteer work… became particularly important to me as I began to notice patterns around who had a voice in addressing certain injustices and who did not,” Johnson said.
Johnson added, “As the daughter of a single mother, my upbringing motivated and instilled an unwavering determination to both succeed and contribute meaningfully, which has guided my educational and professional journey.”
Johnson encourages that anyone in similar lines of community work remain mindful and engage in conversations and environments that reflect someone else’s experience. She says this openness allows one to expand their perspective.
In her words: “I believe that education is a critical component of a more just and equitable society. My mission is to create fair education and employment opportunities that empower underserved and underrepresented communities to flourish.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
