Shanteria Johnson
Shanteria Johnson’s journey has always been rooted in one thing: solving problems. Whether it was supporting coworkers as an account manager, helping family and friends navigate challenges, or finding smarter ways to get work done, Shanteria discovered early on that her strength lies in seeing a problem, asking the right questions, and finding solutions that last.
For three years, she thrived as an account manager, enjoying the art of connecting with people and collaborating with teams to deliver results. Along the way, she developed a passion for research and systems — so much so that colleagues began turning to her for advice on strategies. “I strongly believe there’s always a better way of doing things,” she says. “It’s about working smarter, not harder.”
That belief sparked a turning point. Wanting a sustainable career built on curiosity and solutions, Shanteria decided to pursue a degree in Information Technology with a concentration in Data Analytics and a minor in Business Administration at Georgia Gwinnett College. “Being a data analyst is what I already do every day,” she explains. “I put out fires, ask questions, do research, and deliver the best results. Now I’m learning how to pull insights directly from data to make those solutions even stronger.”
Her academic journey has been more than just classes and projects. Determined to make the most of her college experience, Shanteria stepped into leadership roles, serving as Vice President of both the Association for Information Systems and GrizzlyHacks. These positions have stretched her skills as a leader, teaching her how to collaborate across teams, mentor peers, and bring big ideas to life through hackathons, alumni panels, and student-led initiatives. Her dedication and drive were further recognized when she was nominated to join the National Society of Leadership and Success, an honor reserved for students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential. With a GPA of 3.3, she considers it one of her proudest accomplishments yet — a sign that her hard work and perseverance are paying off.
But Shanteria’s story doesn’t stop at data and leadership. She is also the founder of Glam365, LLC, a beauty brand designed to empower women of color and give back to the community through entrepreneurship. “I wanted to merge business with tech because both are at the core of who I am,” she says. “I know I can bring value because no matter the challenge, I’ll get the job done.”
Through it all, Shanteria points to her faith as her foundation. “I strongly believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, who has guided me through this entire experience,” she reflects. “Faith has taught me patience, kindness, and perseverance. It’s the reason I keep pushing forward.
• Georgia Gwinnett College- B.S.
• Association for Information Systems
• GGC School of Business & Technology Student Organizations
• WIT Atlanta
• GrizzlyHacks
What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my faith, resilience, and the belief that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. I’ve learned to trust the process, stay consistent, and lean on the values of service, integrity, and perseverance.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is: don’t be afraid to start where you are and grow into where you want to be. Every step — even the tough ones — is building the foundation for your future.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay grounded in your faith and trust your abilities. Don’t be intimidated by the challenges or by the fact that you may be the only woman in the room. Your perspective is valuable, your skills are needed, and your voice matters.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in data and technology is that organizations have more information than ever, but not enough professionals who can translate that data into strategy. That’s where I see the opportunity — to bridge the gap between analytics and business impact. At the same time, we still face a challenge with representation, but that only makes the opportunity stronger: to bring more women, especially women of color, into spaces where their voices and perspectives are needed.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Faith, integrity, and service are the values that guide both my work and personal life. My faith keeps me grounded, integrity ensures that I lead with honesty, and service reminds me that true leadership is about creating opportunities for others while continuing to grow myself.