Washington Area Women's Foundation

Carole Johnson on her new role, Washington, D.C., and saying anything!

What does a person that generally has an opinion about something say when she has the opportunity to say anything?

This is my first blog and let me start by telling you how I see myself.  I am presently the ever changing sum total of all things that have touched my life over many years.  I am a woman of color made up of a detailed mosaic of external and internal elements, much like this place we call Washington, D.C.

I am Carole Johnson, born, raised and educated in Washington, D.C.  I am extremely pleased be joining The Women’s Foundation as their Senior Management Officer.

I recently took a sabbatical from work and used that time to evaluate my professional desires and to honestly target my career direction. Trust me when I say that was a huge undertaking and a truly rewarding and humbling experience.

What is the measure of a strong woman?  Is she married with children?  Holding down a high level position?  A leader in her community? Or is she a middle class woman who is happy with her life, family and friends? Is she one that speaks her mind, but supports and listens to the ranting of others?  Is she confident without being arrogant, and can people tell the difference, and does it matter?

I believe that we shall all find out.

I remember sitting in a staff meeting at another foundation some six years ago and the topic of why people work for nonprofits came up.  I sat there listening to the discussion and asked myself why I chose to work here and the underlying truth is, because it feels good!  Coming to The Women’s Foundation means that much to me still today. When I decided to go back to work, I targeted nonprofits because I wanted to know that I was contributing to something that mattered to me.  I look at it as giving back and that just makes me feel good.  Couple that with the ability to work with an organization that supports the needs of women is like a cherry on top of a huge ice cream sundae!

I believe in the mission and vision of The Women’s Foundation.  I support the desires of my colleagues to be a part of this ever changing organization and I look forward to feeling great at the end of the day when I know I’ve contributed on some level to our success.

I look forward to being a part of something great!  If you feel the desire to know more, feel free to contact me