Shawnell Johnson

Shawnell is a mission-driven leader with deep expertise in public policy, systems level change, and stakeholder engagement, committed to ensuring children and families have equitable access to opportunity. With extensive experience in state government and the child care sector, she has worked across complex systems to expand high-quality, affordable early childhood education and remove barriers that limit family success.

As the former director of her state’s child care subsidy program, she led large-scale operations that connected families to critical resources, while also shaping policy solutions that improved efficiency and fairness. Today, Shawnell continue’s this work leading PAACT: Promise All Atlanta Children Thrive, a citywide collective impact initiative focused on building sustainable early childhood systems.

In this role, she cultivate’s partnerships across public agencies, philanthropy, and community organizations to align strategy, funding, and advocacy efforts that strengthen Atlanta’s early learning landscape. Beyond her professional work, she serve’s through the Junior League of Atlanta, advancing volunteer leadership and community impact initiatives that support women, children, and families.

Whether through policy reform, systems change, or community collaboration, she is passionate about creating pathways where every child can thrive and every family is supported.