Dr. Johann Richardson, PhD

Dr. Johann Richardson, PhD, is a nonprofit leader, author, motivational speaker, and community advocate dedicated to empowering women, supporting families, and improving the lives of children. She serves as the CEO and founder of the Carl David Richardson Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Springfield Gardens, New York. With more than 30 years of experience in human services since beginning her career in 1993, Dr. Richardson initially devoted her work to supporting developmentally delayed children before expanding her focus toward women’s empowerment and community advocacy following the tragic loss of her son, Carl David Richardson.

Dr. Richardson holds a PhD in Human Services and serves as a Global Peace Ambassador with the Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research. Through the Carl David Richardson Foundation, Inc., she leads programs that provide early intervention services for children from birth to three years old while creating initiatives that support women, mothers, youth, and families impacted by violence. Her work is guided by the belief that “we rise by lifting others,” a principle inspired by her son’s legacy and reflected in her commitment to helping others heal, grow, and access resources.

In addition to her leadership in nonprofit work, Dr. Richardson is an accomplished author and motivational speaker who uses her platform to inspire resilience, hope, and positive change. She collaborates with community leaders and elected officials on initiatives that strengthen families and neighborhoods, and her advocacy has been recognized through the naming of a street in honor of her son. Through the Carl David Richardson Foundation, Inc., Dr. Richardson continues to preserve her son’s legacy by creating opportunities, uplifting communities, and empowering individuals to overcome adversity.