Connie LaJoyce Johnson ’91
Connie Johnson has been blessed with many talents, and she’s made the most of them in her career and in her community. Since graduating from Bradley in 1991, she has built a successful career as a corporate defense attorney working in litigation and corporate services. Then in 2000, eager to be an advocate for those whose voices are not heard, Johnson was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, where she currently serves as the House Minority Whip.
Johnson received the 2004 Champion of Justice Award from the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys in recognition of her work fighting for the rights of victims of civil injustice, and has been recognized for her efforts in promoting diversity and more minorities on the judicial bench. Frustrated with the red tape required by government and the legal system for people to get the services and assistance they need, Johnson become active in the Volunteer Lawyers Program and Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. She is, in fact, active in several civic and professional organizations dealing with these issues in addition to issues pertaining to the elderly and mental health. Johnson, further, serves on the board of directors for the St. Louis Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, and says that volunteerism became a part of her personal life’s philosophy and mission at a very young age.
The influence of her mother, family and faith have played a strong role to advocate for those whose voices are not heard, encouraging people to fight for what is right, to be part of the solution, giving back to her community, and encouraging other women to run for political office…these earned Johnson the 2006 St. Louis RCGA Lewis and Clark Statesman Award, the 2004 Legislative Award from Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, the 2006 Outstanding Legislator Award from the Missouri Bar, and the 2003 Bradley University Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Graduate Award, among many other honors.
Johnson has fond memories of, and credits many of her accomplishments to, her time on Bradley’s campus. Active on the Speech Team, a member of Residential Life, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she recalls the support and encouragement of faculty members like George Armstrong and Georgia Zaeske, along with her many friends. Her favorite hangouts on campus? Harper Hall – 5th floor, where the guys lived!– and the Garrett Center!
Johnson received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications/Radio/TV/Video from Bradley University in 1991. In 1996, she received her Juris Doctorate from Saint Louis University School of law and her Master’s in Health Administration from Saint Louis University School of Public Health. Read more about Connie Johnson at www.connieljohnson.com
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