Meet the Team – Comms Director April

Co-founder, communications director April Mae Saenz Johnson

April Johnson is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor of Arts in communications, emphasis in public relations.

She began regularly volunteering for nonprofit organizations at the age of 13 and has more than 10 years of experience as a professional in nonprofit fundraising, marketing/PR and community relations. Before finishing her bachelor’s degree, she spent a year in South Africa teaching HIV/AIDS education to primary school students and weekly life skills and Bible lessons to children at an orphanage. Upon returning home, April enrolled for her final semesters and simultaneously began her career at an adoption agency.

April eventually moved into a marketing role with another cause-related nonprofit; however, the unmet needs of youth in foster care remained a concern. Thankfully, she met Kecia along the way and, through ongoing conversations and a lot of research, they developed and launched Aging UP, a strength-based, trauma-informed mentoring program for teens with experience in foster care.

As Co-founder and Communications Director, April works passionately to promote Aging UP and to create opportunities that benefit our teens and mentors. Her favorite way to spend free time is with her husband and their kindergarten-aged son and baby boy — especially watching them engage and learn through new experiences. She also enjoys yoga, traveling and quality time with friends and family.

Photo by Lana Akin Photography