Johnson began her career in 1999 as an Accountant Executive at Golin, a global communications firm, where she held client services responsibilities. From 2002 to 2003, she was a Print Media Specialist for Wheatley & Timmons, leading media relations programs and working with healthcare advocates on public policy issues such as fire safety and carbon monoxide. Continuing in the accounts career space, in 2005, Johnson became an Account Director of Beaman Incorporated, managing a $2.5 million communications portfolio.

In 2013, Johnson joined the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago as a Regional Operations Manager. She soon became a Membership Consultant and Director of Operations. In 2014, she became Executive Director, leading the Lake View YMCA with a $4.3 million budget and a team of 100 people. In 2016, Johnson moved to Washington, D.C., as Executive Director of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington. She was the Executive Director of the Anthony Bowen YMCA, the first WMCA branch established for African Americans.

From 2017 to 2019, Johnson was a freelance consultant supporting operations and communications. From 2018 to 2019, she was an Administrative Officer with Global Social Service Workforce Alliance.

In 2019, Johnson joined WeAct for Environmental Justice as Communications Manager, where she supported the strategic communications of the Federal Policy Office. In 2020, Johnson served three months as Acting Director, leading the Federal Policy Office’s national advocacy strategy. From 2020 to 2021, she was the Director of the Federal Policy Office, advancing federal policy goals regarding clean air and water, energy, and toxics. Since 2021, Johnson has been the Senior Director of Strategy and Federal Policy office for WE ACT in the District of Columbia. She leads the policy, advocacy, and regulatory team. Her work focuses on transportation standards, energy democracy, water quality, and clean air.

Johnson is a renowned thought leader and facilitator who frequently moderates equitable policy-making conversations. She is a Green 2.0 board member and State Energy & Impact Center of NYU Law School Advisory Council member.

Johnson created and co-hosted the environmental justice series, “All Heat, No Shade,” on Clubhouse, building awareness of President Biden’s approach to addressing climate change and environmental justice.