NaTesha "T" Johnson is a social activist and a community spark committed to igniting the next generation with the strong passion for community engagement and leadership. Her mission is to empower a new generation of leaders through personal and professional development. She is a passionate and persuasive leader with a voice for the people. She is often referred to as the “community connector” and an advocate for the creation, development, and general economic growth of small to micro minority businesses in Kern County.

She currently holds a master’s degree in Public Administration at California State University, Bakersfield and a certification in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, NY. She is an alumnus of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Citizens Academy where she received recognition from the U.S. Department of Justice Sacramento Division. She actively serves on many boards including being the first African American President of The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater, third African American governor (Brown) appointee to the Agricultural District 15th Kern County Fair Board, and Vice Chairwoman of the Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference (Chair 2023). She serves as the Bakersfield Police Department - Community Collaborative working group Chair of the Communications and Community Outreach subcommittee; also serves as co-chair for the B3K Steering Committee Entrepreneurship - Inclusion subcommittee.

In recognition of her selflessness and tirelessness work to better the lives in her community, in 2021, she was awarded “Humanitarian of the Year” presented by the Bakersfield Beautiful Awards and humbly received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Community Achievement” Award. In 2019, she was honored with the “A Woman with a Heart for Bakersfield” award presented by Garden Pathway and Mayor Karen Goh.

She is the owner of Upside Productions Management, a strategic partnership consultancy company. She is the founder of Upside Academy, Inc., a non-profit providing community service opportunities for middle and high school aged youth.

NaTesha believes that everyone should be a change agent in their community. She takes pride in community partnerships and understands the positive impact it makes on countless lives by working together. She is committed to strengthening her community by making society a better place for everyone.

She is married to Robert Johnson, III (educator), 22 years. She has two children: Officer Robert Johnson, IV (Bakersfield Police Department) and Katie Johnson, 16.