Dr. Carmen Johnson

Dr. Carmen Johnson

She/her/hers

Co-founder and Chief Programs and Operations Officer (CPOO), Helping Ourselves to Transform

USA

Dr. Carmen Johnson is a justice reform advocate, published author, and survivor of wrongful conviction who lives with PTSD, trauma, and anxiety caused by the incarceration system. Through her lived experience, she fights for those who have acquired disabilities through systemic harm. As co-founder of Helping Ourselves to Transform (HOTT), she leads trauma-informed reentry work and legislative change. Carmen developed a 9-week healing curriculum now approved by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Governor’s Office. She has helped draft and pass bills into law in 2024 and 2025. Her work supports women and disabled people impacted by incarceration and includes mentoring interns, speaking at universities, and pursuing certification as an ADA Legal Advocate. Carmen serves on multiple boards, including for Congressman Glenn Ivey, the United Nations, and the American Bar Association. Her first book, The Pretense of Justice, shares her powerful story; a second book is in development.