Zenani D. Johnson is a fourth-year student majoring in Psychology at the University of West Florida (UWF). She began her work in advocacy and student government during her early high school years by establishing innovative programs like the first annual Student Leaders Day and the Teens and the Law program, where she partnered with local high schools, NOBLE and the City of Tallahassee to teach youth how to interact with law enforcement officials during traffic stops.
In her freshman year at UWF, Zenani founded the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP), which provides free housing and social services assistance for students experiencing homelessness or at risk of impending homeless. She continues to be a highly engaged student who has participated as a volunteer with the University’s Campus Activity Board, mentored with the Anchor Down program, worked as a Teaching Assistant and served in the Student Government Association for several years as Freshman Committee Member, Sophomore Senator and Vice President. In her current role as Student Body President, she and her administration will focus on their platform items which include; Accessibility, Health and Safety, Inclusivity and Enhancing the Student Experience and various Green Initiatives.
Zenani is the current Chair of the Florida Student Association (FSA), where she has been an active member for several years. She is a longtime participant of the annual Rally in Tally, advocating on behalf of students in the state university system. Her previous roles in FSA include, Chair of the Need-Based Aid Committee, whose responsibilities included advocating for an increase in the Florida Student Assistance Grant. Last term, she was hand-selected to travel to Washington, D.C. as part of a national advocacy committee, partnering with California and New York Student Assemblies to advocate for increased student aid and protections for TPS and DACA students.
Ms. Johnson has been recognized nationally for her commitment to service within her community. She has been awarded the United States Presidential Volunteer Service Award, the Congressional Award, the Senator Bob Graham Youth Service Award and the Governor’s Champion of Service Award. She is also the recipient of several leadership awards from the UWF Office of Student Involvement, the Beta Beta Phi Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, and the Girl Scouts Council of the Florida Panhandle, Visionary Award.