Native Wichitan, NASA leader, tapped for MLK Breakfast speaker

A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Wichita Falls who forged a career with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration will be the speaker at the annual Martin Luther King Scholarship Prayer Breakfast on Jan. 21.

Anngienetta Johnson earned a BA in mathematics from Texas Woman's University and complemented her academic studies with work tours at NASA. While at NASA, Dr. Johnson received Peer Excellence and Spaceship Earth Awards twice and is the recipient of the NASA Headquarters Creative Management Award and the Cooperative External Achievement Award.

She examined the feasibility of and developed a strategy for using International Space Station resources and accommodations as a venue to engage, inspire, and educate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Johnson also earned two Masters Degrees: an MBA in Industrial Management and in Information Systems Management. Her determination to help people in crisis led her to pursue a Doctorate of Science degree in engineering management with a specialty in Emergency Management from George Washington University's Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management.

Johnson began volunteering with the American Red Cross in 2001 and continues volunteering in the Dallas, Texas, North Texas Region. The Chapter presented her with the Volunteer Leadership Award in June 2010 and the Albina and Bob Young Lifetime Achievement Award in June 2021. Dr. Johnson served as the Senior Disaster Program Manager for 14 North Texas counties and is the Regional Volunteer Lead for Recovery and Shelter.

The MLK breakfast is set for 8 a.m. at the MPEC. Tickets are available at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center at 1100 Smith St. Cost is $25 for adults and $15 for youth.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Native Wichitan, NASA leader, tapped for MLK Breakfast speaker