Catherine Johnson
Senior Higher Ed Impact Manager
Catherine graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Anthropology and Middle Eastern Studies, and later received her Master’s of Education in Counseling from Frostburg State University. Growing up in an area with high poverty rates and low college matriculation rates impressed upon her the substantial need for systematic overhaul of education and college access. Before and after college, she spent time living and working with refugee and child poverty advocacy organizations both overseas in Egypt and Brazil, as well as in New Mexico and New York state.
For the past 12 years, Catherine has held progressively responsible roles within higher education in the DC area, first at University of Maryland and then at Georgetown University. In her higher ed work, she maintained a strong focus on strengthening institutional effectiveness, while also increasing access and opportunity among traditionally underserved student populations. She’s thrilled to join the Generation Hope team because of the comprehensive multi-generational commitment to advancing equity and access for student parents and their families, and is excited to push that mission forward for long-lasting, systemic change. Outside of work, she’s usually reading a good poetry compilation or a history book, walking her dogs with her husband, or baking a decadent chocolate dessert with her kids.
Quote:
“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” – Audre Lorde
Why I chose this quote:
Audre Lorde was a powerful poet and activist who devoted her life to confronting injustices. When I read this quote I’m reminded of her strength and it inspires me to continue to fight for what I believe in, and that we should never let fear supercede our own inner strength to fight for change.