Changemakers
Our Team
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Aaron Mapenzi-Johnson
Founder of the Johnson Mapenzi Consulting Group, is a champion for economic justice with over a decade of experience in career development, systems transformation, and community violence intervention. He has led national projects focused on trauma-informed workforce strategies, opportunity youth engagement, and employer-led coalitions that prioritize healing, equity, and sustainability.
Aaron’s work is rooted in love, trauma awareness, and the principles of public health—drawing from his graduate studies in Community Health and Prevention Science to inform culturally responsive approaches that bridge care and strategy.
He previously managed the economic inclusion portfolio at the Partnership for Southern Equity and deepened his trauma-informed practice through leadership roles at CHRIS 180 and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. Early in his career, Aaron supported re-entry programs within Fulton County and Douglas County jails in Georgia, and served as an English teacher at a local alternative school—experiences that shaped his commitment to healing-centered leadership and systems accountability.
Today, his consulting work sits at the intersection of equity, public health, and organizational transformation—building pathways that honor both lived experience and systemic repair.
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Janikqua Cutno, LMSW
VP of Violence Prevention & Collective Care
Janikqua is a visionary leader, strategist, and advocate dedicated to designing and scaling impactful community initiatives. With a deep commitment to social justice, community organizing, and capacity building, she has played a pivotal role in reimagining violence prevention efforts and fostering resilience in underserved communities.Currently serving as the inaugural Director of the Violence Prevention Program at Emory Hillandale Hospital, Janikqua leads innovative strategies to reduce violence and improve community well-being. Previously, she directed Atlanta’s first Cure Violence program, where she implemented evidence-based violence interruption strategies, strengthened cross-sector collaborations, and empowered community stakeholders. Janikqua has successfully launched and managed initiatives that address systemic inequities and is recognized nationally for her ability to cultivate partnerships, drive sustainable change, and advocate for holistic approaches to prevent harm and violence.
Janikqua holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University. Her work is rooted in a belief that collective action and strategic investment in communities can create lasting transformation.
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Alfred L. Garner II DSW
VP of Therapeutic and People Services
Dr. Alfred Garner II is the Chief Program Officer at Covenant House Georgia, where he leads all aspects of program planning, operations, and staffing with a steadfast commitment to centering the needs and best interests of youth. With deep expertise in child welfare, education, behavioral health, and community capacity building, Dr. Garner brings over a decade of transformative leadership to the field.
He holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Albany State University, where he was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society, and earned his Master of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University, where he also served as an adjunct professor at the Whitney M. Young School of Social Work. Most recently, Dr. Garner was awarded his Doctor of Social Work (DSW) from the University of Kentucky, further advancing his dedication to trauma-informed, equity-centered care for vulnerable communities.
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Charlan Williams-Moore, M.A. Leadership & Org. Development
Director of Community Trust & Healing-Centered Leadership
Charlan Williams-Moore is a transformative leader dedicated to cultivating trust and healing within organizations and communities. With over a decade of experience in program development, community engagement, and organizational leadership, Charlan has consistently championed initiatives that activate individual and collective agency.
As the Director of Community Trust & Healing-Centered Leadership at JMCG, Charlan leads efforts to co-create spaces where brilliance thrives, particularly within communities that have been systemically excluded and impacted by trauma. Her approach integrates equity-rooted technical assistance and community-driven strategies to foster ecosystems of care and pathways to liberation.
Charlan’s previous roles include Director of Pathways to Progress at Catholic Charities, where she enhanced program visibility and staff performance, and ERSEA Coordinator at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, where she implemented systems to ensure compliance and effective service delivery. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English from Clark Atlanta University and a Master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Development from Saint Louis University.
Rooted in the belief that love is strategy and healing is non-negotiable, Charlan continues to build pathways—not just resumes—co-creating change with clarity and an unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized voices.
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Kiska Lyons
Chief Reentry and Life Coaching Officer
Kiska Lyons leverages her experience as a Human Capital Management Project Manager to aid the reintegration of justice-involved individuals into the workforce and community. She holds credentials as a SHRM Certified Professional and a Justice-Involved Care Life Coach, making her well-equipped to help these individuals overcome employment barriers and establish sustainable careers.
Kiska excels in creating effective onboarding and targeted reentry plans, and her strong communication skills enhance her collaborations with various stakeholders. She has initiated a Life Skills training program for young male adults in the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice and leads restorative circles to address gun violence in Atlanta. Outside of work, her interests in cycling and cultural exploration enrich her service to diverse communities, emphasizing balance and personal growth in her reentry efforts.
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Lauren Jacobs
Managing Director
Lauren Jacobs, Managing Director
Lauren Jacobs is a seasoned leader with over six years of experience as a Recruitment Strategist, delivering successful talent acquisition solutions for Fortune 100 and 500 companies across Atlanta, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Austin. Starting her career in the creative industry as a graphic designer, Lauren discovered her passion for recruitment while contracting with notable companies in the Atlanta area. She has since excelled in sourcing, recruiting, and placing high-level IT and Digital Marketing talent in both contract and permanent roles, generating over $2.35 million in consultant revenue.
As Managing Director of The Johnson Mapenzi Consulting Group, Lauren leads the firm with a vision to develop innovative recruitment strategies for both large-scale organizations and nonprofit entities. Her strategic approach and leadership have driven the firm’s growth and success.