MEET AYESHAH JOHNSONEntrepreneur and organizational
change leader at heart
Ayeshah Johnson is a seasoned DEI executive and thought leader with a solid reputation.
Ayeshah skillfully aligns talent programs with company values and DEI best practices, resulting in excellent DEI experiences and sustainable DEI infrastructures. Across functional groups, Ayeshah fosters a deep understanding and adoption of diversity by building collaborations and ownership in DEI initiatives that equip business leaders to effectively guide high-performing, diverse teams.
In her most recent role as Senior Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at an AmLaw200 law firm, Ayeshah provided meaningful opportunities for people at all levels of the organization to collaborate across difference and function. In only 2 years, Ayeshah was instrumental in boosting recruitment and hiring of attorneys from underrepresented groups 5%, while reducing attrition of women attorneys and of attorneys of color by 10%.
Previously as the first Diversity Manager for a law firm of more than 300 attorneys, Ayeshah advocated for diverse attorneys by developing the firm’s DEI-focused policies, forums, and events. She single-handedly led a steering committee of 10 partners through the strategic planning process, laying a foundation for the firm’s future DEI strategic plan. Ayeshah’s leadership resulted in the firm’s recognition in publications such as Diversity Inc.
Before rejoining the legal industry, Ayeshah established a grassroots consulting firm designed to help individuals, organizations, and communities optimize cultures and strengthen relationships. She developed and trained her clients on strategies through workshops that she presented and facilitated at the Indiana University School of Medicine, the ABA Employee Benefits Committee, Fishers Community School District, and myriad other conferences nationwide.
Ayeshah first entered the world of organizational DE&I at a high profile intercollegiate sports organization where she was instrumental in developing enterprise-wide inclusion initiatives that still exist today. After beginning her career as an attorney practicing corporate law with an Indianapolis-based firm, she embarked on her own venture to practice law and built a legal clinic for survivors of domestic violence.
Ayeshah serves as a Community Leadership Fellow of CHA Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, and a Domestic Violence Recovery Group Leader with Hope Recovery. She holds both a Master of Laws (LLM) and a Doctor of Law (JD) from the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Additionally, Ayeshah completed Villanova University’s Master’s Certificate Program in HR Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs and Policy from Indiana University at Indianapolis.