Today we’d like to introduce you to Seneca Johnson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m an African-American woman from a small town in South Carolina, where big dreams often had to squeeze into small spaces. From a young age, I was captivated by the idea of becoming an engineer — not just to build things, but to build a life of purpose. That dream carried me to the University of South Carolina, where I earned my degree in chemical engineering. But even then, I knew my calling extended beyond what my perception was..
My lifelong aspiration has always been to lead — not for the sake of titles, but to help others grow. I’ve come to understand that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room; having or the biggest title. It’s about listening, lifting, and learning. Over the years, I’ve embraced roles that allowed me to serve in different capacities — from engineering to community engagement, from operations to business. Each rotation taught me something new, not just about the work, but about myself and the people around me.
I consider myself a servant leader. That means showing up with humility, sharing the spotlight, and recognizing that progress is never a solo act. True leadership, I’ve learned, is selfless — it’s about creating space for others to shine, even as you guide the way. And when you lead from that place, you not only grow programs — you grow people. That’s the legacy I’m building.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to where I am now has never been smooth — and I wouldn’t expect it to be, not when you’re striving for greatness. There have been rocky stretches, winding detours, and moments where I stood at a crossroads unsure of the next move. But every twist in the path taught me something: about resilience, about faith, and about the power of community.
There were seasons when I felt uncertain, even overwhelmed — but I leaned on my support system and trusted that each step, even the shaky ones, was preparing me for something greater. I’ve learned that growth rarely happens in comfort. It happens in the stretch, in the struggle, in the quiet moments when you choose to keep going.
Faith has been my compass. Not just spiritual faith, but faith in the process— in the belief that the work I’m doing matters, and that the challenges I face are shaping me into the kind of leader who can serve with humility and strength. Because to lead well, you must be willing to walk through the hard places. You must be willing to rotate through roles, to listen more than you speak, and to recognize that leadership is never a solo act.
The journey hasn’t been easy. But it’s been worth every step.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an African-American woman from a small town in South Carolina, where big dreams often had to squeeze into small spaces. From a young age, I was captivated by the idea of becoming an engineer — not just to build things, but to build a life of purpose. That dream carried me to the University of South Carolina, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. And recently, I fulfilled another lifelong goal by obtaining my Master of Business Administration — a step that deepened my commitment to strategic leadership and personal growth.
My aspiration has always been to lead — not for the sake of titles, but to help others grow. I’ve come to understand that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about listening, lifting, and learning. Over the years, I’ve embraced roles that allowed me to serve in different capacities — from engineering to community engagement, from operations to strategic planning. Each rotation taught me something new, not just about the work, but about myself and the people around me.
I consider myself a servant leader. That means showing up with humility, sharing the spotlight, and recognizing that progress is never a solo act. True leadership, I’ve learned, is selfless — it’s about creating space for others to shine, even as you guide the way. And when you lead from that place, you not only grow programs — you grow people. That’s the legacy I’m building.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up wasn’t easy. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon — and I wasn’t handed one along the way either. I came from an environment where trust was scarce and opportunities felt limited. Even when people said you had the potential to grow, there wasn’t always someone there to nurture that growth or show you how.
For the first 13 years of my life, I was an only child. That meant learning how to navigate relationships on my own, and later, adjusting to the presence of siblings and the dynamics that came with them. I was shy — observant, quiet, and cautious. But over time, I realized that being reserved didn’t mean being invisible. I had to learn when to speak up and when to listen, when to stand firm and when to bend.
My childhood taught me resilience. It taught me how to read a room, how to protect my peace, and how to push forward even when the path wasn’t clear. I won’t point to any single moment as the turning point — because the truth is, it was a series of moments, lessons, and lived experiences that shaped me. The things I saw, the things I endured, they all whispered the same message: go for better, do better — because better is out there. Greatness is out there.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JSXxCCApB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seneca-johnson-59196971
