Commendations

Seasoned leader passionate about driving meaningful change
I’ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Johnson for three years. Dr. Johnson is not just an exceptional leader in the realm of J.E.D.I (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), but she has also been an invaluable mentor to me throughout this time.

Her poise and confidence in every situation, whether it’s a challenging discussion or a strategic decision-making process, are what immediately drew me to her. What I believe sets Dr. Johnson apart, however, is her innate ability to combine her intelligence with a genuine sense of care for everyone around her. She has an unparalleled strategic vision, always ensuring that her decisions are grounded in both knowledge and compassion and take into consideration multiple angles.

Every interaction with Dr. Johnson reinforced my belief in her dedication to promoting equity and justice at all levels, and her guidance has been instrumental in my professional growth. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Johnson for any leadership or mentorship role; she naturally elevates those around her while remaining deeply committed to the principles of J.E.D.I. – Dr. Jeff Foulkes

Invaluable academic and career guidance – I worked with Dr. Johnson for nearly 12 years at UMass Global (formerly Brandman University). We grew into different roles within the university yet remained in touch over the years. I view Dr. Johnson as a mentor and colleague who has an incredible desire to help students, staff, and faculty, reach their fullest potential.
In recent years, Dr. Johnson was a member of my dissertation committee and provided me with invaluable academic and career guidance. When Dr. Johnson accepted her role as the inaugural Vice Chancellor of Equity and Inclusion at UMass Global in 2020, I watched her build and lead a community dedicated to doing the work of meeting the needs of marginalized students, staff, and faculty. She deeply cares for the community and continues to give back. – Dr. Dustin Domingo

Prolific contributor to the field – Dr. Johnson is an exceptional leader in the field of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (J.E.D.I.), and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing their remarkable work firsthand. With an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and over 10 years of experience in this space, Dr. Johnson possesses an unparalleled depth of knowledge and expertise.
Dr. Johnson has an unwavering commitment to advocating for equity, fostering community, and curating supportive spaces. Dr. Johnson has developed a unique and highly effective approach to creating J.E.D.I. competent curriculum, cultivating diversity-cognizant teams, and providing executive leadership consulting. And her dedication to enhancing equity and inclusion in higher education, business, and community organizations is truly inspiring.
Dr. Johnson is not only a thought leader but also a prolific contributor to the field. Her insightful and thought-provoking articles in Higher Education Digest and the International Journal of Diversity in Education have been instrumental in shaping the discourse around equity and inclusion. I was particularly impressed by her creation and execution of “OEI J.E.D.I. Day,” a proprietary content initiative that showcases best practices and innovative solutions for enhancing organizational excellence and inclusion. This initiative has had a profound impact on the way organizations approach J.E.D.I.
Dr. Johnson is an exceptional professional who has dedicated their career to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her passion, knowledge, and ability to effect meaningful change are truly commendable. – Rolondo Talbott, PMP, CSM

Accreditation and Senior level leadership – It has been a pleasure to work with Dr. Jalin Johnson over the past decade. She is a highly knowledgeable higher education professional with experience in the areas of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Senior Leadership; and Program/Curriculum Management. Throughout our work together at University of Massachusetts Global, Dr. Johnson consistently demonstrated her focus on supporting students, faculty, staff, and institutional strategies. In addition, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Johnson on inter-departmental and cross-functional teams to strengthen programs in advance of accreditation work. In addition to her senior level of leadership, she is also a dynamic professor with skills in engaging students and providing meaningful support to encourage program completion. I would strongly recommend Dr. Johnson for any opportunity at a Senior Leadership capacity either in higher education or the corporate sector. – Dr. Monica Shukla-Belmontes

Role models what it means to lead with grace and purpose – There are some people in this world one realizes they are lucky to know and work with because of their authenticity, passion, mentorship, and the genuine connection you make with them. Dr. Jalin Johnson is certainly one of those individuals in my life and I recommend her unequivocally for any future opportunity she considers. Dr. Johnson is an inspired leader who knows how to create powerful and dedicated coalitions committed to achieving a common goal of truly making this world, or simply, a workplace a more equitable and better place. The courage and understanding when to lead from the front, the side, or from behind is a an advanced skill only certain leaders can master and implement. Dr. Johnson has mastered this skill. She inspires without bravado. She acknowledges the contributions, big or small, others make. She role models what it means to lead with grace and purpose. I can only imagine the additional greatness she will achieve in the future and hope I have the good fortune of again standing alongside her on that journey. – Dr. Donald B. Scott

An indelible mark on our organization – Dr. Johnson undertook the remarkable task of establishing our organization’s inaugural Office of Equity and Inclusion. Her visionary leadership, unwavering dedication to cultivating a more inclusive and equitable atmosphere, and fervent commitment were genuinely inspiring. Dr. Johnson brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the forefront, consistently demonstrating a profound grasp of the intricate dynamics inherent to diversity and inclusion.
What truly distinguishes Dr. Johnson is her remarkable aptitude for fostering effective collaboration. She possesses an exceptional talent for uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, guiding them towards shared objectives. During our collaborative endeavors, I consistently marveled at her leadership style, which encouraged open discourse and unleashed creativity. Dr. Johnson’s collaborative approach fostered cohesion within our organization and instigated substantive change.
Dr. Johnson’s efforts have left an indelible mark on our organization, yielding tangible enhancements in our diversity and inclusion initiatives. Her strategic acumen, unwavering commitment, and resolute dedication to justice and equity are qualities that establish her as an exceptional champion for transformative change.
I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Jalin Johnson for any organization seeking a Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategist. She possesses a profound comprehension of the intricacies inherent to this vital field and excels in uniting individuals to drive substantive progress. Her contributions are immeasurable, and I am confident that she will continue to effect positive change wherever her path leads. – Laura Galloway, PhD)