Shine a light on transformation! Explore how iluminada+ consulting co. expertly navigates the path from challenge to success. Our case studies spotlight the transformative journeys of individuals and organizations reaching their brightest potential, illustrating my commitment to your enlightenment and growth.

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My work

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Organizations

Standardizing Success: How INROADS Built a Nationwide Career-Readiness Framework

Explore how iluminada+ consulting co. helped INROADS elevate student outcomes nationwide. Through intentional curriculum design and cohort-based facilitation, the organization transformed gaps in readiness into higher placement rates and stronger internship performance.

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Explore more case studies

Finding One's Voice: A Case Study on Personal Empowerment and Professional Integration

Strengthening Team Dynamics & Fostering Unity at USAID/Guatemala

La’Nita's Inspirational Keynote at The Urban Leaders Fellowship Spring Fling

Transforming Vision into Impact: My Role at the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab

The World Bank and a Collective Vision for Financial Inclusion

Empowering Positive Youth Development: A USAID/Malawi Case Study

“iluminada+ offers something truly special—coaching and training that meet you exactly where you are and guide you toward where you want to be. What sets La’Nita apart is her human-centered and deeply personal approach. She listens, understands, and works within your goals and mindset, tailoring every step of the journey to you. iluminada+ isn’t just about professional growth; it’s about meaningful, lasting transformation. If you want coaching that truly sees you and helps you thrive, there’s no one better than La’Nita”

Nasra Ismail, Executive director

OpEds and Publications

“State police respond to address fears amid Ohio threats” - CNN (2024)

“Antisemitism in the US: Cornell arrest” - CNN (2023)

”The Fallout: What the Antisemitism Hearing Could Mean for Higher Education” - Inside Higher Ed (2023)

“Crafting Institutional Statements Amid Conflict” - Inside Higher Ed (2023)

“How to Build Resilient Campus Communities for Targeted Violence Survivors” - Building Resilient Communities of Knowledge Toolkit (2022)

“How to Tell If a Company’s Black lives Matter Statement Actually Means Anything” - Marker by Medium (2020)

“The far right is really good at tricking you into giving it free advertising” - Quartz (2019)

Podcasts, interviews & media coverage

Appearances & speaking engagements

  • Community of Practice Architect and Lead Facilitator, Common Goal + adidas Foundation + Beyond Sport (May 2026-May 2029)

    Lead Facilitator, “INROADS Career Foundations Program” (48 sessions) - INROADS, Inc. (September-December 2026)

    Workshop, "Cross-Cultural Advocacy and Strategic Communication” The National Academy of Medicine - Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women's Health Program (September 2026)

    Workshop, "Facilitation Best Practices” INROADS, Inc. (September 2026)

    Workshop, “Cross-Cultural Diplomacy,” Meridian International Center x DiplomacyRISE through UC Riverside (August 2026)

    Workshop, "Storytelling & Ethical AI Use for Grant Writers,” The National Academy of Medicine - Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women's Health Program (June 2026)

    Lead Facilitator, “INROADS Career Foundations Program” (18 sessions) - INROADS, Inc. (July-August 2026)

    Workshop, "Storytelling & Ethical AI Use for Grant Writers,” The National Academy of Medicine - Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women's Health Program (June 2026)

    Workshop, "From Mentors to Networks: Launching Your Fellowship Year,” The National Academy of Sciences - Mentorship for Early-Career Women Working in Vaccinology (June 2026)

    Workshop, "A Team in Reflection,” University of California DC Program (June 2026)

    Workshop, "chat, help me rewrite my algorithm to lifemaxx in DC,” University of California DC Program (June 2026)

    Workshop, “Paths to Fulfilling Non-Governmental Employment,” Women of Color Advancing Peace (March 2026)

    Workshop, “Beyond the No: storytelling & strategic narrative skills,” The Elevate Prize (February 2026)

    Workshop, “Career Development Goals & Planning: Building Your Roadmap for Impact,” The National Academy of Sciences - Mentorship for Early-Career Women Working in Vaccinology (January 2026)

  • Workshop, “Influence without Authority: Managing Up and Across,” - The National Academy of Sciences - Mentorship for Early-Career Women Working in Vaccinology, (December 2025)

    Curricular Design and Workshop Series, “INROADS Workforce Development,” (78 sessions) - INROADS, Inc., (September-December 2025)

    Workshop, “Paths to Fulfilling Non-Governmental Employment,” The Aspen Institute - International Career Advancement Program, (September 2025)

    Workshop, “Paths to Fulfilling Non-Governmental Employment,” The Aspen Institute - International Career Advancement Program, (September 2025)

    Workshop, “Cross-Cultural Diplomacy,” Meridian International Center and the National Science Policy Network (NSPN), (July 2025)

    Workshop, “From Pressure to Power: Your Blueprint for Values-Driven Leadership", University of California DC Program (June 2025)

    Workshop, “Mentorship in a New Era: Fostering Student Wellness through Positive Developmental Environments,” University of California DC Program (June 2025)

    Workshop, “Networking with Integrity: Building Relationships in Complex Times,” Merdian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship (June 2025)

    Workshop, “Our Cultures, Our Impact: Advancing Inclusion Through Dialogue and Diversity", Charles Schwab (May 2025)

    Workshop, “Leading with Integrity: Leveraging Resilience for Impact,” Women of Color Advancing Peace & Security (March 2025)

    Panel, “Beyond the Desk: Policy, Networking, and Career Pivoting,” Kọ Café x The People’s Consulting (March 2025)

    Workshop, “Our Words, Our World: Celebrating the Power of Mother Tongues,” Charles Schwab (February 2025)

  • Speaker, “Bridging Divides: Facilitating Meaningful Dialogue in Polarizing Times,” Pepperdine University

    Presenter, "Preventing Online Hate and Ideological Threats: Strategies for K-12 School Leaders,” Association of Maryland and DC Independent Schools (April 2024)

    Panelist, “Alumni Career Panel,” American University (April 2024)

    Workshop, “Reducing Political Extremism on Campus,” AASCU’s American Democracy Project (March 2024)

  • Panelist, “Careers in Training,” American University (October 2023)

    Panelist, “ Democracy’s Challenges, Higher Education’s Purpose,” Institute for Democracy & Higher Education (September 2023)

    Plenary Speaker, “Preventing Hate-Fueled Violence: What Campuses Can Do,” American Association of State Colleges and Universities (July 2023)

    Keynote Speaker, “Building to Empower Communities to Achieve,” Urban Leaders Fellowship  – Virtual (May 2023)

  • Commencement Speaker, Universidad de Valle – Escuintla, Guatemala (April 2022)

    Speaker, “Life as a USAID Officer – Off the Record Series,” Black Professionals in International Affairs – Virtual

    (March 2022)

    Speaker, “Prioritizing Self Care & Mental Health,” USAID – Virtual (March 2022)

    Moderator, “Town Hall with Administrator Samantha Power: USAID’s New Vision for Inclusive Development,” USAID – Virtual (February 2022)

  • Panelist, “An Intergenerational Conversation,” Young Professionals at USAID – Virtual (November 2021);

    Master of Ceremonies, “Locally Employed Staff Appreciation Day with the US Ambassador to Guatemala,” U.S. Embassy Guatemala – Virtual (November 2021)

    Presenter, Youth Champions Summit, USAID – Virtual (November 2021)

    Speaker, “Women’s Mental Health,” Elite Girls Mentoring – Virtual (November 2021)

    Panelist, “Diversity in Development,” Georgetown University – Virtual (October 2021)

    Panelist, “Pathways Promises: A Journey into International Affairs,” American University – Virtual (June 2021)

    Speaker, “Prioritizing Self Care & Mental Health,” USAID – Virtual (March 2021)

  • Speaker, AU Experience Course, American University – Virtual (October 2020)

    Moderator, Payne Fellow Listening Session, USAID – Virtual (August 2020)

  • Graduate Student Commencement Speaker, American University – Washington, D.C. (May 2019)

    Presenter, “Selling Extremism: social media and far right branding,” Comparative and International Education Society 2019 Conference – San Francisco, CA (April 2019)

  • Panelist, Graduate Fellowship Panel, Pepperdine University – Washington, D.C. (October 2018)

  • Panelist, The American University, Foreign Service Graduate Fellowship Panel (November 2017)

    Panelist, Graduate Fellowship Panel, Pepperdine University – Washington, D.C. (October 2017)

    Panelist, “Financial Inclusion for The Invisible Class,” Civil Society Policy Forum at The World Bank Group’s Spring Meetings – Washington, D.C. (April 2017)

A woman with dark, curly hair wearing a light-colored coat and pearl earrings, engaging in conversation with a man whose back is to the camera. The setting appears to be outside a building with glass doors. The caption identifies her as La'Nita Johnson, an expert on extremism at American University.
Cover of a magazine titled "P•LOVE" featuring a quote 'It's better to show up imperfectly than not at all' and a subtitle about an interview with mental health advocate La’Nita Johnson. The cover has a split image of a mountain town street and a woman smiling and walking in a stylish outfit.