Johanna Atienza

Johanna Atienza became the agency's first chief growth and innovation officer in 2022. She has worked in higher education for more than 15 years and has served diverse roles in advancement, admissions, marketing, external relations, and community-based curriculum and programming. Prior to her position with Options for Learning, Johanna served as the associate vice president of advancement and external relations at Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School, where she was a member of the executive cabinet and directed aspects of development, grants, alumni relations, community partnerships, and public relations.

She is passionate about educational equity and fostering communities that nurture every child and create an environment where young children and families are healthy and safe and find early success in school and life. Her social impact areas of interest include early childhood education and care, mental health and wellness, the digital divide, anti-bias education, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Johanna is involved in local initiatives, including Growing Together PASadena and All Children Thrive Pasadena, and she is the board chair for Leadership Pasadena.

Johanna holds a bachelor's degree in political science, with minors in film and sociology, from USC, as well as a Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law.