Katelyn Johnson

For over 20 years, Katelyn Johnson has worked towards imagining a system that works for everyone by focusing on narrative change, civic engagement, policy advocacy, and community organizing. As the Executive Director of BlackRoots Alliance, Katelyn leads an organization that serves as a platform for crucial conversations on race, community safety, and economic empowerment for marginalized communities. She has most recently led her team to create  “Reimagining Safety Report, a Community Listening Session with Black Communities and Public Defenders. ”, which explores the connections between safety and public defenders, exemplifying her unwavering dedication to creating a more just and equitable society for all.
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A graduate of North Park University, Katelyn’s experience with student leadership and youth-led advocacy inspired her professional journey in social justice. Since then, she has consistently championed social change from her early days as a door-to-door canvasser advocating for affordable housing at ACORN to co-leading the Raise Chicago coalition for a minimum wage increase with Action Now. Her work as one of the institutional co-founders of United Working Families further solidified her commitment to reshaping Chicago's political landscape. She recently played a pivotal role as co-editor and project manager for the landmark transition team report for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s new administration, “Building Bridges and Growing the Soul of Chicago: A Blueprint for Creating a More Just and Vibrant City for All.”
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Reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning, she pursues a Master's degree focused on systems theory and social intelligence, seeking new tools to dismantle systemic barriers. In her spare time, Katelyn is a self-proclaimed "nerd" who finds balance in her spiritual community and video games. Her leadership extends beyond BlackRoots Alliance, as she actively serves on the boards of various social good organizations such as the Crossroads Fund, Windcall Institute, In These Times Magazine, and Survivor’s Know.

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