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Biography:
An inspiring, authentic architect of change, Dr. Karen A. Johnson, who goes by Dr. J – lives her legacy by unapologetically showing up with others to build, live in, and leave a legacy of equitable and just nations and generations – on purpose. Highlights of decades of leadership experience across public and private sectors include a distinguished senior executive career with the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, briefly serving as the inaugural Director of the newly created Washington State Office of Equity to bridge opportunity gaps and reduce disparities statewide and across state government; teaching and co-facilitating graduate level equity and leadership college classes; and consulting through businesses she owns.
Dr. J gives her time, talents, and treasure to people, places, and purposes focused on building a culture where everyone values, sees, hears, and treats each other as though they matter. She was recognized for her Outstanding Community Leadership and Service to Education and the Young People of Washington by the Washington Association of School Administrators, received the “Olympia High School 2017 Advocate of the Year Award” from the Olympia Education Association, the “Humanitarian Award” in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. presented by the Washington State Thurston Group, “The Oly Way Award” for outstanding achievement to our community from Olympia High School, and the “District 5020 Energizer Rotarian Award” for making things happen in service to others. She holds a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy, a master’s in public administration, a doctorate in Urban Services, and is a member of the Leadership Women America class of 2018. Dr. J says, “I will work for liberty and justice for all until equity and justice roll down as waters for all people, nations, and generations.”
Advice From Dr. Johnson:
Discover who, whose, and why you are, and then do what you love; the money will follow.