My Story
Jia Johnson, a creative educator, social entrepreneur, spiritual activist, and life and leadership coach, brings extensive experience across nonprofit, corporate, and community collaborations. She is the passionate founder and CEO of Freedom Dream Collective, LLC, a dynamic coaching and consulting firm dedicated to fostering the growth and well-being of individuals and communities. Jia takes a holistic coaching approach, addressing the interconnected well-being of clients and partnering with them to create sustainable practices for holistic, transformative change.
Johnson currently serves as the director of the Solidarity Building Initiative for Liberative Carceral Education at McCormick Theological Seminary, a higher education in jail. In this capacity, she fosters community collaborations and co-creates learning communities and curricula for incarcerated learners at Chicago’s Cook County Jail. She also serves as an adjunct, facilitating courses and workshops on spiritual activism and social change. Her role in this transformative initiative exemplifies her commitment to reshaping the higher education landscape in jail settings.
Jia co-authored a book chapter with Mel Webb, Ph.D in the Prison Education Manual, a Bloomsbury publication, and is engaged in another project focused on mental health and the Church. With empathy and creativity, Jia bridges perspectives and empowers collective growth, exemplifying a steadfast commitment to justice and liberation.
As a creative, relational, and empathetic leader, Jia's ability to bridge diverse perspectives and forge meaningful connections inspires generative discourse and transformation.. Her holistic approach to coaching and consulting empowers individuals and communities, fostering their flourishing and wholeness. With Jia Johnson at the helm, you can expect dynamic insights, transformative strategies, and a steadfast commitment to justice, liberation, and collective growth.
Jia holds a Master of Arts in Public Ministry from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. She is a graduate of the Inner Glow Circle coach training program and is working towards obtaining an Associate Certified Coach Credential through the International Coaching Federation. Jia is a Level 2 Shamanic Reiki Practioners, working on a Level 1 Tantra Meditation Teacher Training with Tracee Stanley, and a grief tender, studying grief rituals with Francis Weller. Jia is enrolled in the the Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate offered by The Embody Lab. Jia is currently enrolled in the Seminary of the Wild Eco-Spirituality Eco-Certificate offered by the Center for Wild Spirituality and serves as a Guide/Teacher for the Eco-Certificate.