About Me
LaSchanda Johnson, Ph.D., Ed.D. aka “Dr.Schanda”
Hello everyone, I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and am a proud graduate of Crenshaw High School. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Southern University and A&M in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Go Jaguars! Originally my plan was to attend law school, but life had other plans, and I’ve followed a path that allowed me to combine my love for business and leadership development. I went on to earn a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, which laid the foundation for my passion for organizational leadership.
My journey as an internal auditor in healthcare and higher education systems ignited a deeper desire to understand leadership on a global scale. This led me to Pepperdine University, where I earned both a Doctorate in Educational Leadership Administration and Policy and a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change.
Before transitioning to higher education, I served as an Assistant Director at Communities Centers, Inc., overseeing program operations aimed at workforce development and career advancement for At-Risk and Foster Youth, People with Disabilities, Disadvantaged Individuals, Families, and Veterans. My extensive background working with diverse communities navigating adversity, hardship, emotional struggles, interpersonal conflicts, and social injustices has reinforced my belief that “every voice matters.” It is now my mission to make space for these stories and empower others to unpack and embrace their own.
As a scholar and researcher, I focus on the intersection of professional development, career advancement, and higher education, with a special emphasis on women and organizational leadership. My work primarily centers on the advancement of Black women to leadership roles, exploring the unique challenges and barriers they face, and identifying the success strategies and competencies that have propelled them forward. I’m also deeply invested in enhancing student services within higher education to better support diverse pathways to success. Through my research, I aim to contribute to more inclusive and equitable leadership practices across organizations and institutions.”
My journey as an internal auditor in healthcare and higher education systems ignited a deeper desire to understand leadership on a global scale. This led me to Pepperdine University, where I earned both a Doctorate in Educational Leadership Administration and Policy and a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change.
Before transitioning to higher education, I served as an Assistant Director at Communities Centers, Inc., overseeing program operations aimed at workforce development and career advancement for At-Risk and Foster Youth, People with Disabilities, Disadvantaged Individuals, Families, and Veterans. My extensive background working with diverse communities navigating adversity, hardship, emotional struggles, interpersonal conflicts, and social injustices has reinforced my belief that “every voice matters.” It is now my mission to make space for these stories and empower others to unpack and embrace their own.
As a scholar and researcher, I focus on the intersection of professional development, career advancement, and higher education, with a special emphasis on women and organizational leadership. My work primarily centers on the advancement of Black women to leadership roles, exploring the unique challenges and barriers they face, and identifying the success strategies and competencies that have propelled them forward. I’m also deeply invested in enhancing student services within higher education to better support diverse pathways to success. Through my research, I aim to contribute to more inclusive and equitable leadership practices across organizations and institutions.”