Johnai Brown was enrolled at RBCS beginning in 2nd grade and graduated in 2013 as a 6th grader, before we had a middle school. She then attended Mastery Charter Thomas in South Philadelphia for middle and high school before heading off to Morgan State University to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. While there, Johnai immersed herself fully in the world of education, completing her student teaching and acting as a long-term substitute for a 1st grade class, all while working as an RA.

And Johnai didn’t stop there. This spring, she completed her Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership at Rider University. Here, she found her current position as Community Director at Rider, where she assists college students, works on programming, addresses student conduct matters, and ensures the students are also enjoying themselves! As Johnai says, going to college isn’t only about the educational aspect, but also about “learning how to be a person.”

This summer, Johnai will be supporting students in the classroom and through enrichment programming as a Social Emotional Learning Coach at the University of Pennsylvania.

Johnai remains deeply committed to her roots in the K-12 world. In fact, her bond with the RBCS community remains strong, with several family members currently enrolled and her cousin, Renata Anthony, working as the Front Desk Receptionist. Johnai remains connected with her RBCS classmates by actively participating in a group text among her graduating class.

When looking back on her time at RBCS, Johnai recalls a special teacher – Mrs. Morris, her second grade teacher. Johnai says, “She saw potential in me from a really young age. And she also helped me to see it.”

More recently, she unexpectedly ran into Mr. Hargrove, a prior dean of the school. “We had a really great conversation about life after RBCS and he shared some great gems.” Since connecting with him, Johnai has been introduced to inspiring individuals, both in the RBCS world and outside of it. Johnai stresses the importance of connection, networking, and openness to unexpected opportunities.

When offering advice to current students, she says, “I know they give you resources at RBCS. So use them. Really take all the opportunities they give you and make the best of them. And those friends you make at RBCS, keep them, and stay in touch.”

We are honored and uplifted that Johnai has found – and continues to find – a strong sense of community, happiness, and belonging on account of Russell Byers Charter School!