Lauren Johnson - Fellow

Shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Lauren Johnson felt called to serve her country. While still in high school, she enlisted in the Marine Corps’ delayed entry program, and on May 12, 2003, Johnson shipped to Parris Island, South Carolina, for recruit training. 

Johnson and two friends made the commitment together and enlisted in the buddy program at the same time.

Although her military specialty is finance, Johnson served in Iraq from August 2006 to March 2007 with the Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB-1). She counts that time as one of her best life experiences. 

Johnson was referred to the Wounded Warrior Program by a counselor at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Through the program, she earned a position in the office of Congresswoman Karen Bass. 

As a Veterans Case Worker, Johnson assists local veterans with a variety of issues and performs outreach in the community on behalf of Congresswoman Bass in Los Angeles, CA. 

Johnson says the fellowship “has reignited [her] passion for politics and helping people in the community.”