Page 7 - Voices-2021-12

COVER STORY

The Fire Within

This month’s “getting to know you” interview highlights Stephana

Johnson, District 7’s Public Relations Manager. She joined the District
Executive Committee in September, and has brought new life and
purpose to her role..

Who is Stephana Johnson?

I was born in Mesa, AZ. My parents were fiercely dedicated
to the well being of their kids—raising them as independent
thinkers. My mom was an entrepreneur. All us kids had our

own businesses by the time we were at least 12 years old.
I spent a lot of time with my maternal grandmother who
was a nurse and business woman. I received my first self-
improvement book, Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill

from my paternal grandmother and namesake, who taught
me the love of books.
I was blessed to have had examples of strong, smart women
in my family. Was it all perfect? Of course not. But looking

back, I am grateful for everything and I know it shaped who
I am today.
My dad was an engineer, inventor (he held several patents),
and was an active volunteer minister. I remember observing

him as he listened and counseled in a calm and giving manner.
He could design and build just about anything from a
beautiful sliding gate using my old roller skates to a working
computer from scratch. In our early years, he worked the night

shift so he’d often be home during the day creating something.
I can still see and smell the loaves of homemade, freshly ground
wheat bread he made from his wheat grinder or the rows of

VOICES! | DECEMBER 2021 7