DeAndréa L. Johnson serves as the Writing Programs Manager for the Hurston/Wright Foundation. A native of Chicago, Illinois, she currently resides in northern Virginia. DeAndréa brings a wealth of experience as a veteran Maryland-certified educator, spoken word artist, writer, and technologist.
With over 13 years in the STEM publishing industry, DeAndréa has held various roles overseeing engineering publications for esteemed organizations such as the International Code Council, American Nuclear Society, and the American Society of Engineers. Her responsibilities included editorial assistance, production editing, and editorship, where she documented procedures and produced job aids outlining production processes.
Driven by her passion for writing and facilitating training, DeAndréa pursued a Master of Science degree in Instructional Design and Development from Towson University in 2018. During her studies, she was nominated for the 2018 TEEA Award for her innovative life skills program, Prepare 2 Adult, which offered workshops on financial literacy, household management, and career exploration.
Transitioning into the classroom as a high school English teacher for Prince George’s County Public Schools, DeAndréa’s exceptional performance led to her recognition as Rookie of the Year, Most Inspiring Teacher, and Leader in Instructional Technologies. Her instructional prowess was showcased in a recording featured by the Office of Professional Learning and Development’s publication OTD Mentoring Moment in 2020.
Passionate about youth empowerment, DeAndréa conceived the Hurston/Wright Foundation’s DC Youth Writers Oral History Project, which debuted in the summer of 2023. Additionally, she has cultivated her own literary practice as a spoken word artist, performing at renowned venues such as Busboys and Poets, and collaborating with organizations like Kiane Ink, Speak Peace Productions, Silent Treatment Productions, and Momentive Collective.
DeAndréa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing from the University of Illinois at Chicago, complementing her Master of Science degree in Instructional Design and Development. Her commitment to education, creativity, and community engagement continues to drive her impactful work in the literary and educational spheres.