Susan Johnson (She/Her)

Susan Johnson brings over 12 years of nonprofit leadership experience to The Diaspora Collective’s board, with a proven track record of building sustainable organizations that serve vulnerable communities. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Alabaster Jar Project, she scaled the organization from a volunteer startup to a $1M+ valued community resource, securing over $500K in annual funding while serving 500+ clients through trauma-informed programming.

Currently serving as Development & Communications Director at Healing Wave Aquatics, Susan specializes in grant lifecycle management, development operations, and organizational systems that support rapid growth in mission-driven environments. Her expertise includes comprehensive CRM management, donor stewardship programs, and strategic communications that center community needs.

Susan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Nonprofit Management Certificate from Brandman University. She is currently pursuing her Certified Fund Raising Expert (CFRE) certification and Google Project Management Certificate.

 

As a mother of three adult children who identify as queer and are biracial, Susan brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to The Diaspora Collective’s mission of providing culturally attuned, trauma-informed care to BIPOC and QTPOC communities. Her commitment to breaking cycles of trauma and building accessible healing spaces aligns deeply with the organization’s vision of reclaiming healing in community.