Meet Remarkable Women Finalist, Dr. Alicia Johnson
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — 'I'm hopeful that I'm able to plant a seed of hope, plant a seed of joy every time I have an interaction with someone,' Dr. Alicia Johnson, who has a doctorate in business administration, said about her personal mission statement.
'The core is that I've made someone better. That I've made whatever organization that I touched that day or any person that I came into contact with that they are made better,' she said.
For almost 30 years, Johnson has built a long resume of making lives better, through her professional career of lifting others up out of poverty and from inequity, her leadership in the community and through her church, Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship Church.
'The first thing that comes to my mind is servant leadership. Dr. Johnson certainly understands what it means to lead and serve. I would describe her as being very thoughtful, passionate, kind and has a very deep concern for her community,' Pastor Charles Roberson said.
In addition to volunteering at her church for the many food drives and holiday give aways, she leads a program that has already helped almost 90 families buy their first home.
Among her many accomplishments in the community, she's the first African American and native Savannahian to be the Executive Director of Step Up Savannah. She's chaired the Mayor of Savannah's Racial Equity and Leadership Task Force and is a lifetime facilitator for Bridges out of Poverty.
Although she's achieved a lot in her career, there's another title that Johnson cherishes, being called Dr. Fancy by her family, especially her grandson.
'They say I'm fancy,' she said. 'I like all the fancy things. So, after achieving my milestone of getting my doctoral degree, my husband got me a vanity plate. The name has stuck and everyone calls me that.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
New Georgia bill provides tuition grants to families of fallen first responders
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — New legislation signed by Governor Brian Kemp will provide tuition grants to any public university in the state of Georgia for the families of public safety workers and educators who die or are permanently injured while serving their communities. Georgia Senate Bill 20 applies to the children and spouses of law enforcement officers,firefighters, emergency medical technicians, highway emergency response operators, prisonguards, public school employees and teachers. The passing of the bill will help the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire continue their work to support the families left behind when a loved one dies or is permanently injured while working to serve others. Jeff Jepson, chairman of the 200 Club said, 'The 200 Club is the first responder for our firstresponders. When the worst happens to families, this legislation will fund up to $18,000 a yearfor four years, totaling $72,000, for tuition in approved schools for the children and spouses ofthese professionals who serve our communities.' SB20 will alleviate the financial burden on donors and supporters of the 200 Club as the cost of funding education for dependents continues to grow. Since 2001, the 200 Club has covered the college tuition costs for 26 spouses and children of first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Cold War fighter jet fired up after 18 years
A Cold War fighter jet, which spent the majority of its service at RAF Binbrook, has been fired up for the first time in 18 years. Lightning XR724, was designed to intercept Soviet bombers and first flew on 10 February 1965. The aircraft, which was retired in 1991, has been undergoing a five-year restoration project at the site near Market Rasen. Chief engineer Chris Johnson, who was in the cockpit when the 60-year-old plane was started, said: "Getting this old lady running again after so long being idle is going to feel great." Mr Johnson said his team is hoping to fix the aircraft's top engine by the end of 2026. The next public run of the engine is due to be carried out an open day on 6 September. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Fighter jet on display after 'exciting' restoration Cold War jet's future safe after hangar success The Lightning Association
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Union Mission's 10th annual ‘Raising Hope' gala raises awareness for homeless services
HUTCHINSON ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV) — A local nonprofit that has been changing lives across Savannah has a big night ahead on Tuesday. Union Mission is hosting its 10th annual Raising Hope gala as it works to end homelessness. WSAV spoke with Union Mission on their plans to end homelessness in the region and how they intend to celebrate a decade of hosting the Raising Hope gala. More than 800 guests will gather at the convention center on Hutchinson Island Tuesday night to celebrate a decade of transformation and support. The sold-out event is not just a gala – it's a celebration of lives changed and a powerful look ahead. Union Mission's Raising Hope event has become one of the most impactful fundraisers in the Savannah area. This year is its biggest yet. In 2024 alone, Union Mission helped transition more than 770 individuals from homelessness to stable housing, providing over 185,000 nights of shelter and 260,000 meals. Tonight's gala is focused on funding even more success through the organization's emergency housing and supportive services. This year's goal? To raise at least $150,000 – money that directly fuels Union Mission's frontline work. 'It's not just talking about it is doing it. This event enables us to be able to do what we need to do over the next year,' said Michael Traynor, the President & CEO of Union Mission. 'We're just excited to be able to tell our story and get the support that we need to continue to do the programs that we have and be able to move forward.' Looking ahead… Union Mission is transforming a former Family Dollar on West Oglethorpe into a new homeless resource center. This new place will be offering daily services, mental health support, and workforce development – all under one roof. Union Mission served over 1,300 individuals last year. What they share with WSAV today is not just about celebrating what they've done – it's about building what comes next. To get involved, volunteer, or donate to Union Mission, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.