Kalima Johnson

Background

About Kalima Johnson

Parkside Vice President Kalima Johnson brings a wealth of experience and a passion for advocacy to her role. With a background deeply rooted in education and government, she has dedicated her career to making a meaningful impact on policy issues that affect the most vulnerable communities. In her previous role as the Associate Director of Advocacy and Partnerships at The Education Trust-New York, Kalima led the advocacy strategy for the organization's policy agenda. Managing a statewide partnerships portfolio, she collaborated with advocates and business leaders to drive positive change in the education sector, informed by her previous experience as an educator. Kalima's journey in the public sector began with six years as a Senior Legislative Policy Analyst at the New York City Council, where she advised council members on critical education and aging policies. At the Council, she played a pivotal role in advancing a half-million-dollar pilot proposal for culturally responsive education practices, a program later expanded with a $24 million investment by former Mayor Bill de Blasio. Leading with her identity as an educator, Kalima is driven by a vision of shaping a better future for young people. Drawing on her experiences working closely with legislative bodies, she possesses a unique lens that informs her approach to engaging elected officials. Kalima believes in bringing equity issues to the forefront, making elected officials aware of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, and fostering collaboration between nonprofits and policymakers. As part of her role at Parkside, Kalima engages in a variety of activities to support clients. From meeting with elected officials to organizing events and scheduling tours of client facilities, she plays a crucial role in amplifying the voices of nonprofits and empowering her clients to advocate effectively. Proud moments for Kalima include supporting the Fostering Youth Success Alliance with hosting a Foster Youth Shadow Day in Albany in which young people with a foster care background spend the day shadowing elected officials to learn what the day-to-day activities of state government offices look like Additionally, Kalima finds immense gratitude in supporting clients with testifying before the New York City Council. Kalima believes that including direct service providers' perspectives in policy decisions is not only the right thing to do, but it helps create the most effective policies.