Arelia Johnson

Arelia Johnson brings over 15 years of experience to her work in county government, including 6 years focused on anti-racist initiatives and policy. Her expertise centers on designing committees, councils, internal work groups, and affinity groups, along with analyzing state and federal policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She previously taught for 13 years from sixth grade through college, including 3 years at the collegiate level, and held roles such as Racial Disparities and Fairness Administrator for the Office of Justice and Safety, Senior Equity Program Manager for Think Tank, equity training specialist, and co-lead project manager for an equity team. Johnson holds a PhD, which she completed coursework for in 3 years while teaching at two universities and raising children, as well as a master's degree. She is a board member of the Texas Family Wellness Initiative, a lifelong member of Alpha Kappa Delta, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, and the Region 9 representative on the National Steering Committee for the Government Alliance for Racial Equity. In her current role, she handles strategic planning, policy analysis, and initiatives like the People's Project, a civic education and voter literacy campaign partnering with community organizations. Johnson attributes her success to refusing to lose and maintaining tenacity and responsibility throughout her journey, and she has published the book Hijacking Equity in the Fight for Justice.