About Aaron Mapenzi Johnson
Justice Rooted Strategist | Workforce Architect | Trauma—Informed Systems Leader
I lead with love, strategy, and accountability.
For over a decade, I’ve worked at the intersections of workforce development, trauma-informed care, and community healing—activating the agency of youth, communities, and organizations to drive systems-level change.
My work is guided by a simple but radical belief: everyone is already empowered by design. What we need are equitable systems, healing frameworks, and culturally responsive practices that remove the barriers standing in the way of that power being realized.
I’ve led multimillion-dollar equity portfolios, co-designed violence prevention strategies adopted by city agencies, and built employer collaboratives focused on mental health-informed workforce pipelines. From managing national policy coalitions to grounding healing circles in neighborhoods most impacted by systemic harm, my work is rooted in both strategy and soul.
I bring lived experience, evidence-based practice, and an unwavering commitment to justice into every room I enter.
Who I Work With:
I support nonprofits, public institutions, foundations, and coalitions ready to reimagine what's possible when strategy is rooted in equity and care. Whether you're launching a new initiative, shifting your organizational culture, or building community-based solutions—I meet you where you are and build from there.
Want to connect?
You can reach me directly at aaronjohnson@jmcg.org or connect via LinkedIn.
Let’s build something rooted in love, justice, and transformation.
Areas of Expertise
Trauma-Informed Workforce Strategy
Systems-Level Policy & Advocacy
Grant Design & Participatory Philanthropy
Violence Prevention & Harm Reduction
Strategic Planning & Technical Assistance
Youth Development & Community Mobilization