Johnell Lawrence (J.)

Johnell (J.) Lawrence has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and industries. Currently, they serve as the Director of Equity and Belonging at Vibrant Emotional Health. Prior to this, they worked as the Director/Equity and Organizational Change for DEI at Beyond The Basix. Additionally, they worked at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as the Covid-19 Deputy Director of Clinical Operations Support Center/Equity Lead and in Health Equity. Johnell (J.) also held the position of HIV/Health Equity Manager at VillageCare and worked as an Equity Specialist at Housing Works. Earlier in their career, they were a Legislative Aide at the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services, a Teaching Artist at The New York Pops, and a Campaign Manager at CCBOE. Johnell (J.) also worked as the Research and Operations Manager at the Harry Partch Institute at Montclair State University.

Johnell (J.) Lawrence completed their education at Medgar Evers College, CUNY. They obtained a degree in Social Work, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Additionally, they pursued a degree in Communications from the same institution, graduating Cum Laude. In terms of certifications, Johnell obtained the "Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging" certification from LinkedIn in April 2022, as well as the "Understanding and Supporting LGBTQ+ Employees" certification from the same institution. In October 2021, they earned the "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate" from USF Corporate Training and Professional Education. Prior to that, in September 2021, Johnell obtained the "HSR- Human Subjects Research Certificate" from the CITI Program. Their educational journey also includes the completion of the "Building Expertise in Administration and Management (BEAM)" program at the University of Miami in October 2020.