Lindsey Johnson (she, her, hers)

Hello beautiful people, my name is Lindsey Johnson (she/her). I am a mother to four beautiful, brown babies ages 5,7,11 & 12 and newly engaged to my fiancé, Herman. I am a Madison implant. I grew up as a military brat, moving every two to three years, finally settling in Wisconsin. I have huge passion for everything fitness, the youth and centering things/activities around family bonding and wellness. I enjoy doing things with my family that cost very little to nothing. We spend a lot of time outdoors. My hobbies include creating first time experiences, snorkeling, thrift shopping and trying different restaurants with my fiancé while we rate and compare them to similar places.

Get to know Lindsey better

What are some of the things you enjoy most in life? What keeps you inspired, re-charged, and brings you joy?

There are so many things that I enjoy in life. It’s special to wake up daily for another chance at life. After being temporarily paralyzed on my right side due to complications during what should have been an eight-hour surgery scoliosis surgery, learning to walk again, wearing a body cast and brace during a Texas summer, I learned to cherish the ability to be able to enjoy everything I possibly can. I’m inspired by the thought that everything I get to do or try is a privilege everyone is not afforded.

I am recharged by others who share their stories, which allows me to better understand people and their walks of life. My accomplishments aren’t the biggest or best but when I look back on my life and the transitions I have made, the kids I have raised, and the things I have learned it, there is pure joy of accomplishment.

When you look back over your whole life – What experiences have shaped you as a woman? and how?

I grew up watching my mother work two to three jobs, while raising my siblings and me. She never complained. She was committed to the Army and taking care of her family. In 2009, when my first daughter was born I knew at that moment, the way I watched my mother, my daughter would be watching me. I had to step up and be active in our community, doing work that uplifts and betters those who have been generationally impacted to help make change because that is what is near and dear to my heart.

What are some of your practices of resilience? Who did you learn this from? and How are these helpful in times of challenge?

My mother always worked hard, never giving up, always asking questions and challenging systems in people. People would say she was hard to work with or mean. She was neither. Being in her presence and having this modeled to me has allowed me to live by these characteristics. Except now, I know that standing my ground and standing up for what is right is my integrity and not to be offended by words.

Ms. Lilada Gee and Ms. Jackie Hunt have also mentored me to be authentically me. Living daily in my skin and being comfortable being and saying what is on my heart and mind.

When you think of your life journey unfolding, Who do you see yourself becoming?

My life goal is to make sure that the time I have on this earth is impactful. I want to learn and share anything in life that can help better those who are coming up behind me. Whether that is in health and wellness, parenting, self-love or any other area in life that I have lived experiences in.

What is your vision for Madison?

My vision for Madison is to be a part of the continued team of change makers here who are currently helping change the trajectory for African Americans and the huge racial disparities amongst us. My vision is to cohesively work to identify and properly serve unserved and underserved individuals who want to change their lifestyles to increase the longevity of their lives.

How do you see you can contribute to creating the city you visualize?

I can contribute by offering my expertise in health and wellness to the community, spreading awareness about Mahogany and other agencies in Madison with resources outside of our scope.

Madison Community Foundation announces $75k grant.

Amplify Madison, will build skills, voice, and visibility for women in the nonprofit community, with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for women of color.

Please share about your Amplify Madison journey – What did your team worked on and how was your experience collaborating with each other? What did you personally learn and how is impacting who you are becoming?

  • Here are a few of the milestones in our Amplify Madison journey:

    • Virtual ½ day Extending the Love Wellness Retreat

      • This was our business launch event! We hosted an Align and Fitness class as well as a discussion around Maternal health and doula support.

    • In-person Dear Diary Workshops

      • Spoke to an audience of young ladies and provided hands on activities to support financial health and preparation, affirmations and self-worth along with sexual and physical health.

    • In-person and Virtual Doula Support

      • This was a beautiful opportunity to collaborate once again in support of each Mama. Providing connections to local resources, customized aromatherapy, prenatal support through Align and physical and nutritional support in addition to advocacy with the local hospital systems.

      • Virtual Align Flow Classes and Align Coaching Sessions

        • Our partnership fostered great support for these participants in providing nutritional assessments, customized meals and prenatal guidance.

      • Presentations with the UW Medical School residents to educate on the current state of maternal health care and the role and impact a Doula can have.

      • Mahogany Oasis at the Annual YWCA Racial Justice Summit

        • Another collaborative effort to provide a safe, unapologetic space for Black women to align, create, release and flow.

      • Website and social media content creation

What are you currently offering in the community and how can people connect with you and your work?

Mahogany Rooted in Wellness is currently offering the following services: 

  • Partnering with Saving Our Babies for greater impact with Doula care 

  • Teaching classes for the MMSD Black Excellence Parent Groups 

  • Supporting Align Coaching & Flow participants through their continued journey.

  • Advocacy and Case Management