We recently connected with Dr Marla Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Dr Marla, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

January 21. 2002 was the change to the trajectory in my life. I was in my final stages of completing my dissertation then that day happened. I stop writing. I stopped thinking . I stopped pushing. Because my No.1 cheerleader and mentor was now with God. I felt the passing of the mantle on that day. Mentoring is my passion., a Biblical metaphor , if you please.

The example is found in the second chapter of 2 Kings, protege Elisha followed his mentor Elijah from place to place, learning at his side. Elisha requested a double portion of his mentor’s spirit. Eventually Elijah is taken up by a whirlwind into heaven, Elisha picks up the mantle , a cloak, that has fallen from him. My mother’s mantle was passed to me without asking for a double portion. My mother’s compassionate heart, tenacity, and strong spirit is reflected in all I do. My epiphany happened

I’ve been an active member of the higher education, healthcare and faith for over 30 years in the capacity as a minister, board member and community outreach.

I found and served as Executive Director of the RAPHA (Reach Act Provide Health Awareness) Program, the first
Faith-based AIDS organization in Allegheny County and Pittsburgh area along with collaboration from agencies to service those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS.
Presently, I am a researcher at
the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on
training, HIV community treatment, and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and is a member of the Pittsburgh HIV Commission.

Experiences make you grow.. Allow those experiences to do their job. They afford one the opportunity to lead to change and a trajectory to destiny. This is my story.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been an active member of the higher education, healthcare and faith for over 30 years in the capacity as a minister, board member and community outreach.

I received my doctorate from Duqusene University and has been an active member of the higher education, healthcare and faith for over 30 years in the capacity as a minister, board member and community outreach.

In 1998, I found and served as Executive Director of the RAPHA (Reach Act Provide Health Awareness) Program, the first
Faith-based AIDS organization in Allegheny County and Pittsburgh area along with collaboration from agencies to service those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Johnson is a researcher at
the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on
training, HIV community treatment, and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and is a member of the Pittsburgh HIV Commission.

I love connecting with people. It’s important to engage with others to learn and assist whenever necessary. My passion is mentoring, the arts ( oil/acrylic painting artist), creative writing, and individual and community ministry. I am in the process of completing a children’s book and a group therapy book for substance abuse therapist.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Yes. I’ve had two hearts within a three year period. There were no signs for the first one. I was unaware of what was happening until I went to the hospital. I was dealing with a cold. I had all the signs when I had the second heart attack. The strange thing it is, I felt brand new! I have new perspectives and feelings about life and my dreams and goals. Oh, by the way, the doctor gave me a before and after picture of my heart. God has me here for His plans and purpose.

Have you ever had to pivot?

What comes to mind is my lay-off from the school district. I was a Chapter One Elementary School Counselor, that’s a counselor for high risk children. Well, I, along with 20+ staff were laid off. The city of Pittsburgh had a program for laid-off and dislocated workers. I enrolled into the computer program. I graduated with straight A’s. I didn’t know I was so technically inclined. I got a job with a software company that folded in 6 months. What happened? The change to becoming an educational consultant / teacher with our local community college. The door opened . I was asked to be a member on the AIDS Interfaith Care Team board. Then I was hired as the African American Faith Coordinator.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: Dr Marla B Johnson C.I. A. M. Network