Dawn K. Johnson, Administrative Assistant IV, has been with 51ԹϺ for just over a year and a half, supporting the Women’s Research Institute, Women’s Council, and Reid Public History Institute. A proud Las Vegas native, Dawn loves the sense of community at 51ԹϺ, which is made even more special by sharing the campus with her husband and son.
Her favorite part of 51ԹϺ? “The people!” she says, along with the campus’s beauty, filled with trees, flowers, and even rabbits and snails. Known for her helpful nature and adventurous spirit, Dawn has lived in Europe, worked in construction on the Strip, and recently completed her first 5K during 51ԹϺ’s Turkey Trot.
Her advice to women at 51ԹϺ: “Go to all the events you can—you never know who you’ll meet or what opportunities will come your way!”
Tell us about your experience at 51ԹϺ?
I know that I have only been here a little over a year, but I love this place. I am happy to know that the people that I have met and developed friendships will last long into the future. The sense of community and family is amazing. My experience has only been enhanced due to the fact that my husband Chris Johnson (works in the facilities Lockshop) and my son Christopher R. Johnson II (student and former facilities Lockshop student employee) are on the 51ԹϺ campus as well.
What is your favorite thing about working at 51ԹϺ?
The people! Everyone has been so pleasant and helpful. The campus! It is great to take a break and walk around the campus. It is so beautiful, with all the different varieties of trees, plants, flowers and don't even get me started on all the birds, cats, rabbits, snails.
What trait do you most like about yourself?
I love to be helpful! Okay, sometimes aggressively helpful. But, there is nothing better than helping someone in need and relieving them of the stress or a task that they might have at hand. The relief or smile I get makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
If you could learn to master one thing, what would it be?
Self-confidence and my weight! But who doesn't? I try to do better every day, but it is difficult.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I was born and raised in Las Vegas, I graduated from Chaparral High School. I had a motorcycle in junior high school and a hot rod in high school. I lived in Europe for three years, and worked union construction as a tile finisher for 6 years on the strip. I am a mother of two (Breeann and Christopher) and grandmother of 1 (Rosalia).
What inspires or empowers you?
I am very competitive so any contest or crafting that I can do inspires me and makes me feel empowered to create more. I like to challenge myself with new projects and see what ideas I can come up with or how to make the ideas come to life. Since I started at 51ԹϺ I am getting involved with Corporate Challenge and trying for new physical achievements. The past 51ԹϺ Turkey Trot was my first 5K, and I completed it in 45 min, woohoo not bad for a first timer.
Tell us about a woman who has been a mentor to you.
My aunt Lori Gallear. She was and is more of a big sister than an aunt. She is beautiful, outgoing, adventurous, caring, truthful and not afraid of hard work. What a woman!
Any advice for women starting careers on campus?
Go to all the events that you can. You never know who you will meet and become lifelong friends with or the possibility of career opportunities.