Selene Johnson
What makes you YOU?
I’ve always had a passion for equity and social justice – my first real activism started when I organized a 3-day school-wide lunch boycott in high school because the cafeteria staff were unfairly charging some students for extras while giving them freely to “favorite” students. My chosen career in autism/developmental disabilities and mental health gives me daily opportunities to live out my passion for social justice. I also have the privilege of working alongside many incredible activists who are working towards dismantling systems of oppression right here in our local community.
What are you most proud of?
While not perfect, I try to live up to my favorite Mya Angelou quote, “Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” I’m proud of my consistent efforts to be courageous.
What keeps you going when things are tough?
Snuggly dogs. Friends/family. Hot yoga. Music. Focusing on a “to do” list that keeps me moving forward. Knowing that my efforts might make the world a better place for someone.
What keeps you up at night?
Misunderstandings and unresolved conflict. Over-analyzing just about anything you can think of (I’m a behavior analyst by training).
P.J. Green
What makes you YOU?
Optimism, humor, authenticity, perseverance, family, and a love of books and trivia. I have also discovered that I LOVE genealogical research because it helps me to put life into perspective, and gives me an opportunity to appreciate where I fit within history. Reading about what my ancestors experienced, who they were, where they lived, and the lives they had makes me grateful for all that they sacrificed for me to be who I am today.
What are you most proud of?
My tenacity — that I am still stubbornly pursuing my dreams despite delays, setbacks, naysayers, or my own doubts. I am proud that some of the harder things that I have experienced have not defeated me. In 2018, my father passed away from congestive heart failure and since I am an only child from a close family I had never experienced anything as soul wrenching. I think he would be proud that I am still trying to move forward.
What keeps you going when things are tough?
My faith in God, the love of my family, and my general optimism keep me going when quitting seems preferable. My husband and three boys make life beautiful, and it is my constant aim to behave in such a way that my children recognize that Mommy doesn’t quit when things get tough and neither should they. I want to model perseverance and grit for them (even when I don’t necessarily feel it for myself.)
What keeps you up at night?
Wondering if I am doing a good enough job on the things that matter, and whether there is more that I should be doing. 2020 and 2021 has already felt like living through three lifetimes and I want to feel good about knowing that during this time that I tried to help others and make life better for everyone — rather than sticking my head in the sand during the hard times.