In Episode 168 of the C-10 Podcast, we sit down with Melesa Johnson, the trailblazing prosecutor for Jackson County, Missouri. Recorded live at Music Theater Heritage, this episode features insightful questions from our students, offering a unique perspective on Melesa's leadership journey.

Melesa shares her experiences growing up in a challenged area, her path through Columbia University and the University of Missouri School of Law, and her rise to becoming the first Black prosecutor for Jackson County. Her career highlights include serving as a law clerk, working in private practice, and leading violence prevention initiatives as Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas' Director of Public Safety.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Melesa's dedication to community service shines through her involvement with organizations like the KIPP Academy School Board and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City. As prosecutor, she is committed to fostering a safer, more equitable community through balanced justice.

Join us for this inspiring conversation that highlights the power of perseverance and intentional leadership.

LINKS:

For more information about the C-10 Mentoring & Leadership program for high school students, visit our website.

To make a financial gift to give students life-changing one-on-one mentoring and to help families in crisis, visit our secure donation page.

For all episodes of the C-10 podcast and ways you can listen, click here.

If you’d like to make a comment, have a suggestion for a future guest, or your company would like to help underwrite this podcast, please visit our contact page.