An inspiring account of overcoming adversity through faith, education, and community service. This powerful narrative demonstrates how personal resilience, spiritual strength, and dedication to helping others can transform lives and create lasting impact.
Her Story
About Carole
Carole Johnson is a community advocate, human rights leader, and certified paralegal based in Richmond, California. She has served as a Commissioner with the Human Rights/Human Relations Commission from 2013-2015, where she worked to raise awareness of human rights issues, provide a forum for community concerns, and advocate for individuals and groups whose rights may be at risk. Her professional interests include criminal law, civil rights, crime prevention, and community advocacy. Since 2007, Carole has been actively involved in gun violence prevention and supporting individuals and families affected by violence. Through her work with Healing Circles of Hope and Healing Circle for the Soul, she has advocated for mothers and survivors, connected people with grief counseling and other community resources, and participated in outreach efforts involving both survivors and perpetrators of violence. She has also been involved in affordable housing advocacy and police reform, reflecting her broader commitment to creating safer and more equitable communities. Carole earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration from San Francisco State University and completed an Employment Immersion Program focused on job readiness, communication, networking, and professional development. She also gained legal experience as an intern with the Law Offices of John L. Burris, assisting with client claims, document preparation, and legal file management. Through her combined legal background, public service, and community advocacy, Carole continues to focus on advancing human rights, preventing violence, and empowering people affected by social and community challenges.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carole
01What do you attribute your success to?
I definitely attribute my ongoing success to my strong faith in Jesus Christ. I have only been able to accomplish everything through the grace of God, without which nothing is possible. God has allowed me to do some great things, but, with His continued guidance, I am just getting started. There is much more greatness to come and God will get all the glory and all the honor.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never give up on my potential. Even when doors of opportunity are closed, I am determined to have faith in the fact that, when one door is closed, God will open another door, one better than the last.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to stay focused on their goals and what they can do each day toward achieving those goals. As long as they commit to specific, measurable, achievable, realistic/relevant, and time-bound goals, they will be successful. It also helps to limit distractions and have healthy boundaries. Self-care is also extremely important to avoid burnout and/or compassion fatigue. Most importantly, a strong faith in God is hugely beneficial.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is lack of funding for vital services in marginalized communities. This includes funding for youth programs, as well as sports, music, and the arts, both in schools and in the community. There are fewer opportunities for people to stay out of trouble and to turn their lives around, including treatment centers for those struggling with addiction and/or mental illness. It is also very sad to see that prisons get more funding than schools. With that tragedy, it's no wonder there is such a high crime rate in many inner cities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion, empathy, unconditional love and acceptance are extremely important to me, although these values are in very short supply in this country, especially during the Trump administration. There seems to be a lack of willingness to treat people with dignity and respect. In addition, during the current age of technology, we as humans are much less relational.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Carole
What It Means to Be an Influential Woman
From Survival to Triumph: How Faith and Resilience Transform Lives
Being an influential woman means staying humble and grateful to Jesus for all He is and all He has done in my life. Without a strong personal relationship with Jesus, I would not have been able to overcome the many obstacles life threw at me.
Through the grace of God, I have survived child abuse, addiction, and homelessness, all of which I struggled with over 25 years ago. Not only have I survived, but God is allowing me to thrive as well.
I am so grateful to have a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, a Paralegal Certificate, and many years of community activism, in addition to currently pursuing a Master's degree in Addiction Counseling.
It is my duty and obligation to continue to give back to my community. My advice to others who are currently struggling with any life challenges is to never give up on yourself or your full potential. As long as you have breath in you, there is still hope. There is something great that you are here on Earth to accomplish.
Once you realize and accomplish your life goals, you will hopefully be inspired to empower others to reach for the sky as well.
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