Ethnic Gem in the Making:
Catrina Johnson
School: University of Connecticut
Major: Master of Social Work
GPA: 3.8
By: Jovani Yolanda Fox, Managing Editor
The bitter cold of the northeast was a dramatic change for University of Connecticut graduate student, Catrina Johnson. Catrina was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Johnson, the youngest of three siblings, always knew she wanted to help people but did not know her dreams would take her up the East Coast.
“My motivation merely stems from wanting to better my neighborhood, in turn bettering the entire African American community,” states Johnson. She was recruited by the UConn School of Social Work in 2009, upon receiving her Bachelors of social work from Alabama State University.
During her time at UConn, Johnson became heavily involved in several committees and partnerships to increase the school’s visibility of African American students. One organization in particular, The Organization for Black Social Work Students (OBSWS) gave her the momentum to become a change agent within New England, and she later became president of this organization. Throughout her presidency of OBSWS, Johnson was able to collaborate with several other student organizations such as Latino American Student Organization (LASO) and Pride: Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) to help sustain a more culturally competent and appropriate atmosphere among students and faculty. She received several scholarships; one she is most proud of is the Dr. Ivor Echols Scholarship, given to African American students who are involved in working with community members in Hartford, CT.
Now, Johnson is a CSAP/SAMHSA Prevention Fellow for the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Upon completion of her two year fellowship, Johnson will pursue the Certified Prevention Specialist title to make her a more viable source in the community. In five years, Johnson hopes to be a diversity trainer working with youth in correctional facilities.
Like most 25 year old women, Johnson credits retail therapy as her hobby of choice. She also tutors inner city kids from disadvantaged situations. Johnson’s favorite quote (which she credits as her own) is: “Knowledge is the key that will open any lock, even when the door is chained.”
