Championing Patient Advocacy and Healthcare Solutions
September 24, 2024
Last month, we announced the celebration of our 20th Anniversary—a milestone that marks two decades of educational excellence and unlocking brilliance across Los Angeles. As part of our year-long celebration, we are excited to launch a special alumni spotlight series where you’ll hear firsthand about the life-changing impact Alliance educators have on our scholars and the remarkable ways our alumni go on to transform communities near and far.
Our first spotlight shines on Krystal Johnson, an Alliance Gertz-Ressler High School alum and University of Southern California graduate. As the first in her family to earn a college degree, Krystal’s journey is one of breaking barriers and uplifting others along the way.
Here’s her reflection on how it all began at Alliance:
Looking Back: How did your Alliance experience shape who you are today?
The consistent support from my Alliance teachers made all the difference in who I am today. They made an effort to get to know me personally, helped me manage anxiety, changed my perspective on challenges, and saw a potential in me that I had not recognized. If I had not gone to Alliance, I do not know that I would have done as well in college.
A Piece of Wisdom: What would you tell your freshman self now?
Do not be afraid of challenges. The potential lies within you, you just have to keep stepping forward.
Purpose in Action: What motivates you today?
After moving to Oklahoma, my personal experience with my own mom ignited a deep passion for patient advocacy. I now run a firm that partners with law firms to secure disability services for those with chronic illness and injuries. I fight tirelessly for better therapies and medications to ensure they receive the insurance benefits they deserve.
Looking Forward: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I am so solution-oriented. In ten years, I will still be asking myself, “how can we come together to get problems solved?” Through my businesses or running for office, I envision myself leading the charge to address the urgent need for accessible healthcare education, especially in our underserved rural communities. Like Alliance was for me, I want to be the light for those in need.
As Krystal considers running for office as a champion for expanded healthcare, one thing is certain—she will continue to be a beacon of hope and empowerment, ready to bring resources and support to underserved communities.
More to come! This is just the beginning of many stories that will highlight the brilliance of our alumni and the enduring impact of Alliance over the last 20 years.
