Tampa, FL

In November 2002, Ann Johnson founded the House of David, a non-profit youth outreach organization that promotes educational programs for at-risk children between the ages of 6 and 16. The targeted groups for these programs are the Latino and African-American communities. These programs not only reach at-risk youth by offering them alternatives to inappropriate activities, including education regarding the use of the Internet, but they touch parents as well. Ms. Johnson’s programs include educational tools to deter inappropriate language, violence, sex, and alcohol and drug abuse. Ms. Johnson accomplishes her goals by creating programs designed to train and promote the cultural arts through singing and dancing.

Through her initiatives, Ms. Johnson seeks to positively influence at-risk youth, who for the most part live in communities affected by high levels of gang violence and low literacy rates and broken homes. Ms. Johnson’s initiatives offer positive alternatives to these young men and women by exposing them to career choices and educational opportunities that will prepare them to become productive members of society.

As an African American female who was brought up in a similar environment, Ms. Johnson was taught at a young age that in order to be successful, she had to believe in herself. Ms. Johnson is an advocate for the youth and a strong believer that this generation should be educated and mentored, and that they in turn will become a positive example for future generations. She currently works as a Project Analyst at the Marriott Hotel in Lakeland, Florida, and all her work at the House of David is voluntary.