Meet Denise Ladson Johnson BSW,MABC | Executive Director, Teen Life Coach, ACRES Coach, Radio Talk show Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Denise Ladson Johnson BSW,MABC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denise, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Thank you this was a great question. This is a question I have asked myself being an entrepreneur at times and not because I want to give up its because I want to know strategic ways to help me keep going.. For me having the passion and the commitment daily to elevate our organization and learn daily are the key things that let me know that I will keep going. I don’t look at obstacles when growing our organization as a time to give up I use those obstacles for growth which allows me to want to keep going. I want to keep going to see the growth doing the work and providing the services that I’m passionate about.. I personally don’t use the term give up because my passion for the work that I do motivates me to seek those strategies to keep going. Yes, it’s important to assess several areas of your situation regarding a strategic and responsible choice for your business but that allows you to find ways to keep going. I don’t think giving up is an option. maybe that plan or that particular business did not work for you but that doesn’t give you a reason to give up that should give you a reason to keep going.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have worked in many fields throughout my career various state agencies, case management, church development, nonprofit agencies, and substance and abuse clinics as well as my educational background all of which have prepared me and provided me with the experiences to be able to operate my very own organization. What sets me apart from others is the impact of my very own story. I do what I do because I am many of the youth and young adults that we serve. I am proud of my dedication and commitment to making a positive impact. I am excited that we will be hosting our 5th annual enrichment summer camp in 2024. I am where I am professionally because I have compassion and dedication and this all comes from personal growth, and engaging in advocacy. The reasons and my whys to want to work in my community. I have learned many valuable lessons some lessons were fulfilling but some lessons were challenging I’m grateful for them all because I have grown professionally along with ongoing program development improvements. Patience and Persistence are the most important lessons I have learned along the way which have helped me develop a rewarding skill.. I have learned effective communication another crucial lesson both within the organization and with the youth we serve and families. Collaboration has been a rewarding lesson because building strong partnerships and collaborations with other organizations, schools, and community groups amplify our impact. Fundraising and financial management is still a challenging lesson. I want the world to know that we are dedicated to being consistent and compassionate about the youth and young adults that we serve. I want our story to be told that we are here to encourage our community to embrace the power of opportunity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Definitely, I would become my best friend’s personal tour guide. The first place I would take my best friend would of course be where I’m from James Island. There’s a lot of history on the island and it would take a day to spend on the Island. I would first stop at the Art and Cultural Center and go over the exhibit that tells some things about James Island, We would go and visit the Mcleod Planation and spend some time touring the Planation. I would also visit James Island County Park, take them to Folly Beach spend sometime on the Pier, and enjoy the nice restaurant there along with the nice ocean scenery while listening to the waves. We would then go to The Water Front Battery and the fountain pineapple. We would definitely eat good soul and seafood with great cocktails.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely want to first give thanks to God for allowing me to have the passion for the work that I do. Then there’s a shoutout to my husband and children for supporting me from the beginning always being there wherever they can help. I would like to recognize and shout out the First Baptist Church of James Island, the Town of James Island, the James Island Art & Culture Center, and the Independent Women Network (IWN) for their ongoing support. I want to shout out my mentors for always being there informing and encouraging support. Thank you to Our volunteers who have been supporting our vision and mission. I want to shout out to our parents and our community for also supporting our vision and mission.

Website: ocefamily.org

Instagram: oce

Facebook: Denise Ladson Johnson