From leadership roles to community service, JC student Kyla Johnson has shown determination, compassion and heart
Kyla Johnson is wrapping up her time at Jackson College. The hometown kid has put her mark on the institution and in the community.
“I chose Jackson College because it was most realistic for me. After taking a year off of school, I decided to stay home and just plant my roots here instead of going somewhere else,” she said.
Sisters of Strength has been a big piece of her experience here. In part because of Multicultural Affairs Director Antoine Breedlove who pushed for her to join the group due to her budding leadership skills.
“I have had the incredible opportunity to know Kyla Johnson since she was in eighth grade. As a member of our Men of Merit and Sisters of Strength leadership program at Parkside Middle School, she has consistently demonstrated a heart of compassion,” Breedlove said. “Kyla truly cares about helping others, always going out of her way to make a difference. Her leadership, both within the group and in the classroom, is not just exemplary, but also inspiring. Having her as part of our leadership group not only uplifts those around her but also makes my job and Miss Brenda Brandon’s significantly easier. It is a genuine honor to have Kyla as a member of Sisters of Strength.”
Whether she is helping organize celebrations for Juneteenth and MLK Day, giving back through community service or helping coordinate Hispanic Heritage Month, Kyla poured her energy into making a difference.
“Being a Sister of Strength is a very good sisterhood for me,” she said. “It’s a way to have an outlet with your girls, have fun and create a special bond that you, in return, will have friends for life.”
But, Kyla’s impact doesn’t stop there. For the past two years, she’s been a vital part of Jackson College’s Department of Inclusive Excellence helping plan events, facilitate meetings and assist department coordinators.
“We have a great energy in the office and we also have a nice professional bond where we can have fun at work but we can also get the job done,” she said.
Outside of Jackson College, Kyla likes to exercise, attend church, is a workout instructor at the Jackson YMCA and helps out in the community as much as she can.
“Because of my major and because of the way I grew up in Jackson. I’ve grown up in the recreation department for the last seven years and worked in the recreation department,” she said. “Working at the Y and working with the city of Jackson, I’ve been able to work with kids, see what I like and actually bring that into my major.”
She will be graduating in Spring 2025 with an associate in arts business administration. Kyla plans on transferring to a four-year university for a bachelor’s degree with the ultimate goal of coming back home to Jackson to help build the city’s recreation program.
“I have known Kyla for a few years, and I’m so pleased with her. She is an amazing person, student, and friend. She is determined to succeed and is aware that it takes hard work and commitment to achieve great things. She is disciplined and a great motivator for all the girls and guys in Men of Merit and Sisters of Strength. The students respect her look up to her and see her as a leader. She is well-appreciated within the groups and her community,” Inclusive Excellence Engagement Coordinator Brenda Brandon said.
Throughout her journey, Kyla has been bolstered by mentors like Antoine along with TRIO Director Tyrone Green. Their guidance and support have been instrumental.
“I would recommend others to choose Jackson College, because it’s a great steppingstone and you have a ton of support,” Kyla said. “Navigators here, counselors on campus and also the staff and faculty are really welcoming and enjoying to be around.”