We are thrilled to kick off 2026 with some inspiring news! Please join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest member of the StandUp for Kids Board of Directors, Dr. Michele Johnson.
Dr. Johnson isn’t just a scholar and a leader; she is someone who has dedicated her life’s work to understanding the systemic challenges facing at-risk youth. Her return to StandUp for Kids, this time in a national leadership role, marks a full-circle moment for an organization she has supported for over a decade.
A Heart for Service, A Mind for Policy
Dr. Johnson’s journey with us began years ago. From 2011 to 2016, she served as a dedicated volunteer with our Atlanta chapter. It was during this time that she witnessed firsthand the “generational revolving door” of youth homelessness.
Driven by the belief that every young person just needs someone to believe in their potential, she took her passion into the classroom. Dr. Johnson earned her Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University in 2020, focusing her dissertation research on the very obstacles; education, healthcare, and housing, that our youth face every day in Atlanta.
What She Brings to the Table
Dr. Johnson describes herself as a “scholar-practitioner,” meaning she balances deep academic knowledge with practical, real-world experience. Her toolkit is extensive:
- Expert Research & Data: With mastery in SPSS and NVivo statistical programs, she will help us use data to better track our impact and refine our outreach.
- Strategic Leadership: From her years as an Office Administrator at Compliance International to her background in the high-stakes world of five-star hospitality, she knows how to manage complex projects, budgets, and people.
- Policy Expertise: In an ever-changing political landscape, Dr. Johnson will help us navigate legislation, tax laws, and economic factors that influence how non-profits operate.
A Global Perspective with a Personal Touch
Born in Barbados and having lived in Canada before moving to the U.S., Dr. Johnson brings a rich, multicultural perspective to our board. Her passion for housing actually started in her childhood in the Caribbean, where she was always the first to give up her own bedroom to ensure a friend or family member had a safe place to stay.
Whether she is negotiating international contracts or developing her new online Policy Consulting business, Dr. Johnson remains a “nurturing leader” at heart. She is a member of several prestigious honor societies, including Psi Chi and the National Society of Leadership and Success, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning.
“I am driven to empower, inspire, and support StandUp for Kids by working toward shared goals. Homelessness is often no fault of the youth, they just need a little more support from society.” — Dr. Michele Johnson
We couldn’t be more excited to have Dr. Johnson’s expertise in strategic planning, research, and advocacy as we continue our mission to end the cycle of youth homelessness.
Welcome to the team, Michele!