Cristina Johnson Hired as New Assistant Director of Civic Engagement and Communications

The Morgridge Center for Public Service is thrilled to welcome Cristina Johnson as its new assistant director for civic engagement and communications. The hire comes as a result of Megan Miller’s departure from the Morgridge Center in late 2019. Miller was with the Morgridge Center for 10 years and will be dearly missed. Johnson comes to the Morgridge Center with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the nonprofit sector building strong, sustainable volunteer programs with a focus on inclusion, impact and diversity. She has supported many UW community-based programs, projects and courses in her role as the community engagement manager at the Lussier Community Education Center (LCEC) including:

• Two Wisconsin Idea Fellows
• Dozens of Community-based Learning students
• Numerous Badger Volunteer teams
• Other programs from departments across campus

She has extensive experience developing and delivering training and orientations that explore racial justice, trauma-informed practice, privilege, abuse prevention, creating safe spaces and The Colors of Communication. Her extensive experience with program management, civic engagement and commitment to diversity and inclusion are unmatched. “We are excited for her to share her deep wealth of knowledge and experience gained through her career in the nonprofit sector, passion for working with college students, and profound commitment to racial justice with our center, campus, and community,” says Lisa Chambers, associate director of the Morgridge Center for Public Service. The assistant director for civic engagement and communications is responsible for overseeing all co-curricular programming; student development, preparation and engagement; creatively working to find ways to better respond to community-identified priorities; promoting civic engagement on campus; and is also responsible for overseeing the Morgridge Center’s communications and marketing plan. Prior to her work at the LCEC, Johnson served as the leadership development director and volunteer coordinator for the YMCA of Greater Seattle for six years. “We’re looking forward to strengthening our relationships with the LCEC and Cristina’s many other campus and community partners,” says Chambers. Johnson obtained her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in Latin American Caribbean Studies from the University of Michigan.