About

5260fcf9-44bd-426d-8bf6-1568965cc4d0

Naj – Natalee-Antoinette Johnson (NAJ).

I am a mother, author, educator, creator, community change agent, and advocate for children, youth, women, and families. I am the founder of Passion 4 Dreams Inc and author of My Magnificent Hair (2016) and I Come As I Am: Reflections of Verse (Revised 2016).

My journey of writing began as a child with my grandmother, who lived in Jamaica. We maintained communication by writing letters to each other. Through our letters, we shared many stories. In which I developed a love for reading and writing.

As a change agent, I continually advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion while dismantling anti-Black racism and inequalities. Growing up in the inner city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, I was labeled an at-risk youth. I know first-hand what it is like to live with labels, especially when I became a teenage mother. I chose not to let labels determine my future or dictate who I should become. Through my journey of overcoming many challenges, I learned to be resilient and to use my skills and knowledge to empower others. My writing is a tool for bringing about change as I share my lived experiences. As an educator, child and youth worker, and early childhood educator, I support families, children, and youth in diverse communities when I am not writing.

I have been part of several documentaries in Ontario. One being the College of Early Childhood Educator documentary (2013), which highlights the careers of Early Childhood Educators across Ontario. I’m passionate about community, utilizing my talents, skills, and knowledge to empower and inspire others. As an author, motivational speaker, and creator, I focus on inspiring, educating, and promoting sustainability while building stronger communities.

  • BookCon New York, June 2019

Writing is a powerful tool for impacting and changing lives. Through my writing, as a change agent, community leader, and role model, my goal is to continue empowering and uplifting others by sharing diverse stories and experiences and working towards positive change.

Signature Speaking Topics

Click here for speaking topics. If you require a tailored topic that is not on the list, please connect with me.

Natalee has had diverse speaking engagements. She has also been featured in the documentary Early Childhood Educators in Ontario, Canada (College of Early Childhood Educators, 2013) and several newspaper articles within Ontario, Canada. 

International Speaking Engagements:

  • The Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) – August 15, 2024: Bridging Hearts and Minds: Fostering Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and a Sense of Belonging and Disability Support by Natalee Antoinette Johnson – Video Link
  • Malton Neighbourhood Servcies, Guest Speaker for Women’s International Day: Inspire Inclusion, 2024
  • One Woman Fearless Women’s Summit, Guest Speaker, Topic: Moving with Purpose and Not Fear, Columbia, Ohio, June 29th, 2019
  • BookCon Book Expo, through Book Vine Press, Book Signing and Interview, Javits Centre, New York City, June 1 to 2, 2019
  • One Women Fearless Women’s Summit, Guest Speaker, Topic: Moving with Purpose and Not Fear, New York City, March 16th, 2019

Featured: 

  • Virtual Community Readings, Brampton Cultural Days, Brampton Library (2020)
  • Presenter, Her Voice Artist and Artisans, (2020)
  • Guest Speaker, African, Caribbean and Black Women’s Support Group (ACB), Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment (2020)
  • Guest Speaker, Network for the Empowerment of Women, International Women’s Day, March 7th – 8th, 2020, Halifax, Nova Scotia (2020)
  • Indie Author Day, Pickering, Ontario, October 5th, 2019, Keynote Speech
  • Organizer of 2019 Girl’s Empowered Youth Conference (October 2019), Collaboration with Scott’s Mission – Video
  • African Canadian Literary Education (ACLE), July 2019
  • One Woman Guest Speaker, Ohio, June 29th, 2019, Highlighted Video
  • One Woman Fearless Woman Summit, New York, March 29th, 2019, Guest Speaker, Highlighted Video
  • Ontario Library Association (OLA), 2018,
  • Co-facilitator and organizer of the Girls’ Empowered Youth Conference (October 2018), Highlighted Video 
  • Guest Speaker at Black Women Bridging Borders, York University (2017)
  • Guest Speaker at Seneca College Career Day (2017)
  • The organizer of the Passion 4 Dreams Black History Event, covered by RogersTV Peel Region, (2017)
  • Share Caribbean Newspaper, (2013)
  • Featured in the College of Early Childhood Educators Promotional Video Highlighting Early Childhood Educators in Ontario (2013)
  • Featured in the Toronto Sun Newspaper (2012)
  • Featured in Toronto Metro Business Newspaper (2011)
  • Featured in Seneca Red Magazine (2011)
  • Received the Seneca College Distinction Award (2011)

Steps to Booking Me:

  • Review my profile
  • Complete the Interest to Book Form here
  • Upon receiving the Interest to Book Form, you will be contacted for a discovery call
  • Collaboration based on a neutral agreement

What is my cost?

  • Cost will vary based on the project. Reduce cost for Not-for-Profit Organizations, youth, and women’s groups.
  • Please note that, depending on the workshop or speaking engagement, additional costs may include travel, accommodations, and materials. This will be discussed during the discovery call.