Director of Training & Partnership Development, Higher Education

La’Nita Johnson

La’Nita Johnson (she/her) is an expert in multilingual international education and training design. Currently, she serves as the Director of Training and Partnership Development at PERIL, overseeing the Summer Institute and training development across the US and online. As a terrorism survivor, La’Nita is deeply committed to global education on countering violent extremism. Her powerful speeches on survivor needs, including mental health, have gained recognition from prestigious organizations and media outlets like the World Bank, Quartz, and the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Previously, La’Nita excelled as a tenured Education Foreign Service Officer at USAID, specializing in youth development, organizational development efforts, and program management. At the Agency, she prioritized youth development pedagogy and managed significant projects totaling over $100 million. Her experience also spans higher education, private sector and non-profit organizations. La’Nita holds a master’s degree in International Training and Education from American University and bachelor’s degrees, magna cum laude, in Hispanic Studies and International Studies with a specialization in Intercultural Communications from Pepperdine University. She also served a two-year term as Vice President on the board of the USAID’s chapter of Blacks in Government, advocating for diversity and inclusion. In her free time, she enjoys reformer Pilates, Pinterest-inspired nail art, hiking, international travel, and walking her dog—Chino.

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