Yolanda Johnson, a seasoned leader with a background in nonprofit leadership, civic and community engagement, education and training, will become CASA’s executive director on May 8, 2023.  We had a few questions for Yolanda as she prepares to take on this role.

Yolanda, what attracted you to this position at CASA?

I spent several years working in juvenile advocacy roles in Maryland, including working as a case manager with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. During that time, I worked alongside several CASAs.  I saw what a profound difference having a CASA made to the outcomes for children in the foster care system.  The services were directed, and there was more support, including support for me as the case manager.  When I learned about the executive director opportunity, I remembered this experience and was interested in becoming a part of such impactful work. I am looking forward to combining the well-established CASA model with our staff’s talent and my career experience to drive Prince George’s County CASA into its next phase of impact.

How did you initially get into the juvenile justice field?  Was that always your plan?

It was not always my plan – I studied cosmetology in high school!  A few years after graduating from a vocational tech center in New York, my cosmetology teacher contacted me about an opportunity to work at the center.  While there, I was exposed to students in other programs at the school and witnessed the challenges they faced. I became involved as an advocate for students and their parents to help them navigate the educational system and to find additional outlets to help their children thrive. This set me on a path to wanting to make sure young people received equitable treatment.  I started looking for job opportunities in this area.

Over twenty years ago, I moved to Maryland with my two children. During this transition, I obtained a position with the Maryland State Department of Juvenile Services as a resident advisor before becoming a case manager in Montgomery County. I attended Bowie State University in the evening for their child and adolescent pedology program, which provided me with an understanding of how systems worked together to support young people – and sometimes how they do not work.  I decided to be a part of the solution.

Did you have any inspirations as you became more involved in this field?  

There were people in my life who served as inspirations even before I knew this work was a part of my calling.  One of my elementary school teachers placed me in spelling bees, which helped build my confidence.  My middle school gym teacher got me involved in a leaders’ club. Leadership is cultivated over time, but she saw it in me at an early age. Additionally, my cosmetology teacher, who supported me to acquire my first position in education, was also an important figure in my life.  All of these women were straightforward and persistent with a strong leadership presence. They saw qualities in others that they did not see in themselves, and helped them bring those qualities out.  I make it my personal mission to be that person for others to build more community-driven leaders. Watching my mother raise her own six children and open our home to others for a place to stay or to stop by to get a plate of food, taught me the value of community.

What will your top three priorities be as you assume the Executive Director role?

First, I want to provide services to more young people in Prince George’s County who are experiencing neglect.  I know that because of capacity, there are a number of children who do not have a CASA right now.  I’ll be working with the team to explore how we can expand our capacity and develop a plan that will allow us to serve every young person who needs us.

Secondly, and this goes along with the goal I just mentioned, I want to help educate the community on the impact of CASA to increase community engagement in supporting our mission, to include other nonprofits and the businesses sector.  I believe in the power of collaborative impact through multi-sector partnerships.

And third, and equally as important, I want to ensure that CASA staff and volunteer advocates have the support and resources they need to perform their roles to the best of their abilities. This means helping them to develop as leaders in advocacy and grow along the career path of their choice.  I know how important that was and continues to be for me.

This type of work can be very intense.  How do you decompress, and stay centered?

This work can definitely be daunting at times.  I am very spiritual. I read and listen to regular devotions to help me start my day in the right mindset.  I take time for family, including a regular Sunday Zoom call we started at the beginning of the pandemic. This reminds me of our Sunday dinners growing up.  Cooking is therapeutic for me and I am the definition of a lifelong learner. I am always looking for ways to grow personally and professionally. I remain connected to the community through volunteering as it keeps me grounded, humble, and grateful for the life I get to live and the impact I get to make.

Before we go, are there any fun facts you would like to share? 

I think I mentioned I was a 6th grade spelling bee champion!  I get a kick out of that today as I am not sure how much of those skills I have actually retained.  I was also a middle and high school athlete – I learned many lessons about leadership and teamwork from playing field hockey. I love when I get to talk to my old classmates about my time on the field. I love to dance, enjoy all types of music, and I still hold a New York state cosmetology license!