Today we’d like to introduce you to Dena Johnston.
Hi Dena, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My path to where I am today hasn’t been a straight line, but every step has shaped the work I’m so passionate about now.
I grew up in Holton, Kansas, and attended Kansas State University, where I earned my degree in exercise physiology and nursing. I began my career in healthcare in Topeka and Lawrence, which gave me a deep appreciation for service, compassion, and the impact of caring for people during pivotal moments in their lives. That experience eventually led me into healthcare administration, public relations, and marketing, where I spent the next 15 years learning how organizations can better serve communities through communication, connection, and strategic support.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that all of those experiences were preparing me for the role that would feel less like a job and more like a calling.
In January 2016, I became the Executive Director of the Lawrence Schools Foundation. It was the perfect intersection of my passions: healthcare, philanthropy, education, and community engagement. Every day, I get to work alongside generous donors, dedicated educators, and inspiring students to remove barriers, create opportunities, and support our public schools in meaningful ways. Seeing firsthand how a scholarship, classroom grant, or basic needs support can change a student’s trajectory is incredibly humbling and motivating.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mom to three amazing kids and the Spirit Squad Director and head cheer coach for the varsity cheer and dance teams at Free State High School. As a previous high school and collegiate Division 1A athlete, coaching has been a passion of mine and keeps me close to students and reminds me daily why this work matters. It’s not just about programs or funding — it’s about people, relationships, and building a community where every student feels supported and valued. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible teachers, coaches, and mentors in my life—especially during my time as an athlete—and their guidance shaped who I am today. I carry that with me and strive to be that same source of encouragement, support, and mentorship for others.
Looking back, my journey from nursing to healthcare leadership to education philanthropy makes perfect sense. It has always been about serving others. Today, I’m grateful to do that in a role that allows me to champion our schools, our students, and the incredible community that surrounds them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road — and I think that’s true for most journeys that are truly meaningful.
One of the biggest challenges along the way has been learning how to juggle the many roles I care deeply about. Being a mom, an Executive Director, a coach, and an active member of the community means constantly balancing projects, people, schedules, deadlines, and responsibilities. There are seasons where everything seems to need your attention at once, and I’ve had to learn how to prioritize, stay organized, and give myself grace when things don’t go perfectly.
My faith has been a steady anchor through all of it. In moments when the path felt uncertain or overwhelming, I’ve leaned into the reminder from one of my favorite songs: “I’ll build a boat so let it rain.” To me, that line is a powerful picture of trust — doing the work, preparing faithfully, and believing that purpose will follow, even when you can’t yet see how everything will come together.
Stepping into a leadership role also came with its own learning curve. As a female leader in spaces that are often male-dominated, I’ve had to grow confident in my voice, trust my instincts, and learn that strength and empathy can exist together. Early on, I sometimes questioned whether I was doing enough or doing it “right.” Over time, I realized that authentic leadership — leading with integrity, compassion, and consistency — is what truly earns trust and respect.
Like many people, I’ve also navigated personal challenges while continuing to show up professionally. Those experiences taught me resilience and perspective. I learned that it’s okay to keep moving forward even when life feels heavy, and that asking for support is not a weakness but a strength.
If anything, the obstacles have shaped me into a more empathetic leader, a more intentional parent, and a more grounded person. They’ve reminded me why the work we do matters so much — because every student, every family, and every educator is navigating their own challenges, too.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my role with the Lawrence Schools Foundation, my work centers on removing barriers for students and strengthening the connection between our schools and the broader community.
Each day, I have the opportunity to work alongside educators, donors, local businesses, and community partners to ensure students in Lawrence Public Schools USD 497 have access to the resources they need to learn, grow, and feel supported. That might look like funding classroom grants, coordinating programs that meet basic needs, awarding teachers and staff, providing scholarships for students, organizing large community events like the Kids Expo, or building partnerships that bring new opportunities directly into our schools. A big part of my role is listening — understanding where the needs are greatest — and then mobilizing people and resources to meet those needs in meaningful, sustainable ways.
Beyond the Foundation, my involvement in the community extends into coaching. Coaching allows me to connect with students in a different, more personal way. It’s where I get to mentor, encourage, and help young people build confidence, teamwork, and resilience outside the classroom. The lessons learned in athletics — accountability, perseverance, leadership, and support — often carry over into their academic and personal lives.
Together, this work is deeply connected. Whether I’m coordinating a grant, meeting with a community partner, or coaching at practice, the goal is the same: to help students feel seen, supported, and empowered. It’s about creating a community where schools, families, and local organizations work hand in hand to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that relationships are at the heart of everything.
Programs, plans, and goals all matter, but it’s the people behind them who truly make the difference. Taking time to listen, build trust, and show up consistently for others — whether it’s my staff, administration, students, educators, donors, community leaders, colleagues, my athletes or my own family — is what creates meaningful impact.
The best advice I ever received was, “Never let someone else’s passion become your own.” That has stayed with me throughout my career. It’s a reminder to be intentional, to know what truly matters to me, and to pursue work that aligns with my values and heart — not just what others expect or assume I should do.
I’ve also learned that you don’t have to have everything perfectly figured out to move forward. Growth often happens in the middle of uncertainty, and some of the best opportunities come from simply being willing to say “yes,” work hard, and lead with authenticity and compassion. At the same time, I’ve learned the importance of being comfortable saying “no” — give yourself grace, protect your time and energy so you can give your best to the things that matter most.
At the end of the day, success isn’t measured just by accomplishments, but by how you make people feel and the positive difference you leave in their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LawrenceSchoolsFoundation.org
- Instagram: dena_raejohnston
- Facebook: Dena Fox-Johnston
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dena-johnston-02318436/
- Other: Lawrence Schools Foundation
