Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Makeda Johnson.
Hi Dr. Makeda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from Buffalo, New York and just moved to Miami from Charlotte, North Carolina. I started working with the Urban League Movement in Buffalo and since I have had the honor of working at Urban League of Central Carolinas and Winston-Salem Urban League. Currently, I am the newly appointed and first woman President & CEO of the Urban League of Greater Miami.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? Absolutely, not! This work has been rewarding though for every individual we serve. I grew up in what I call a communiversity- we learned with the community from my parents. They gave their all to make sure the community was served through their bookstore (opened for 50 years) and other community work. The community is family and we work together. This work is rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Urban League of Greater Miami, Inc. has been in existence since 1943. It is an affiliate of the National Urban League and one out of eight affiliates in the state of Florida, Florida Consortium of Urban League Affiliates. The former President & CEO, T. Williard Fair served for 63 years in the role. Dr. Johnson is the first woman president of the affiliate. We operate in many pillars but focus heavily on three: education, housing, and entrepreneurship. The affiliate owns and does property management for well over 1000 units in Miami-Dade County. As a brand our affiliate works to both empower the community and change the lives of every single person that utilizes our services. We offer free after school, affordable housing, assistance with small businesses, and varying resources.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I just finished reading “Let Them” by Mel Robbin’s, which I thought was amazing in the theory. I also swear by the book and podcast by Steve Bartlett, Diary of a CEO,The lessons by others in position help for grounding and the book was read in a day. One of my favorite books that I could always go back to is No Disrespect by Sista Souljah, she’s masterful in her storytelling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.miamiurbanleague.org
- Instagram: Miami urban league
- Facebook: Miami urban league
- LinkedIn: Urban league of greater Miami
