My family and I emigrated from South Africa to the United States in 1986 and began forming a community in the San Francisco Bay area, where my parents still live today.  They were eager to expose my siblings and me to a variety of cultures, people and economic conditions.  Through regular trips to developing countries, I had the opportunity to work in some of the poorest communities around the world and, in lieu of relatives our home was always filled with international visitors and friends.  It was not uncommon to spend Thanksgiving dinner with guests including Communist People’s Party officials, Indian professors, French scholars, Nigerian princesses and the children of political refugees.  Growing up with a diverse surrogate family solidified my deep personal commitment to the betterment of all human life, regardless of national identity.

My parents, both business owners, run a non-profit organization that trains business people to provide strategic business consulting to mid-market sized companies in developing nations.  I have watched my parents utilize their most marketable skills for the benefit of others- and they have encouraged thousands of others around the world to do the same.  It was quite an experience, growing up in what often felt like a bed-and-breakfast for the nations, but it allowed me to watch the struggles and benefits of attempting to merge ones community, calling, creativity and career.  I hope to one day have an occupation as unique and rewarding as my parents.

Following in my parents’ footsteps, I have started and ran my own business, worked in the private and non-profit sectors and focus much of my work on highlighting and addressing some of the important factors affecting my home continent.  Now I find myself in Washington, D.C. with a front row seat to foreign policy decisions that affect the lives of millions.  From here I can be a voice representing the interests of those multitudes who have no access to these halls of power.  As an immigrant I know I am lucky to have been afforded so many opportunities and I consider it a privilege to live in a country where I can freely engage the decision makers who could change the face of poverty in Africa. 

I am currently providing consulting services to entrepreneurs, artists and socially-minded organizations.

For additional information about my professional experience and academic background please click here.

This is the personal website of Fay Johnson and is not associated with or reflective of the views of any organization or entity with which I am affiliated.