MCC Daily Tribune

Women's History Month AAWCC Profile: Get to Know Yolanda Johnson

Yolanda Johnson leads the MCC’s chapter of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges and is the Campus Events Manager. To celebrate Women’s History Month, we asked Yolanda some questions as a chance for her MCC colleagues to get to know her better.

Veronica: Why do you think women’s history is essential?

Yolanda:  There is a push to recognize “male” current and/or historical figures; that same passion for knowledge should be reflected in female figures. A coin is not one-sided, so it should be common sense that history should not look to only document, acknowledge, or provide credit to one sex.  Otherwise, all humanity should have only been born of the “male” species. 

Veronica: What woman has had the most influence on you?

Yolanda: I can probably list 7-10 names, but one woman tops my list. That would be my mother. She was a single mother from a small, unknown town in South Carolina who raised two daughters while pursuing a nursing degree. There were good and bad times throughout our journey with my mom, but at the end of the day, she is the embodiment of what I envision a “true” mom, woman, and human should be: hardworking, beautiful, intelligent, and determined.

Veronica: What is your favorite part about working for MCC?

Yolanda:  There is never a dull moment! I’ve worked at MCC for about 16 years and graduated from here, so I can say that I have seen the changes that have occurred. Throughout those changes, the bad, good, and ugly, I still return to my job. I am doing my best because I love where I work, what I do, and the people I work with.

Veronica: If you could have any profession, what would it be and why?

Yolanda:  Oh, this is a good one! I would have been a “Naturalist”. Not someone who is gung-ho to go live with the animals and not appreciate the modern conveniences we currently have, but someone who strives to find a balance between recognizing/balancing natural elements with modern advances. Our society is way too dependent on the next “new” thing. Sometimes, it's best to learn from the old and make adjustments, but never to abuse the original format if that makes any sense.

Veronica: What is your spirit animal, and why?

Yolanda: This one is easy. I would be the Papilio antimachus or African Swallowtail (butterfly). It goes through a metamorphosis to become a beautiful creature that you can view and admire, but if touched unwantedly or confronted aggressively, then you might die from its poison. Therefore, tread lightly.

Photo Caption: Yolanda Johnson, wearing black pants, a black tank top with red and white flowers, and a black cardigan, is standing in front of a metal fence with her arm on a railing.

Attached Files:
Yolanda Johnson.jpg

Veronica Chiesi Brown
Community Relations
03/17/2025