As the eldest of seven children, Louisville native Ka’Lynn Johnson has always been her family’s de facto leader, coordinating all the family events, serving as emergency contacts for family members, marshalling needed resources for food and transportation. She didn’t know it growing up, but this was ideal training for a social work career.
“Social work really aligned with my desire to help people like those I grew up with find resources for mental health, financial assistance, food assistance, even scholarships for college like I found for myself,” she said.
Johnson, who earned a bachelor’s in social work degree from the UofL Kent School of Social Work and Family Science in May, said she faced financial and family hardships growing up in the Portland neighborhood and debated whether to go to college. Fortunately, Johnson ultimately found her ideal path as a first-generation student at Kent School. She interned at the Department of Child-Based Services through Kentucky’s Child Welfare CW-PREP, an innovative career preparation program that provides scholarship funds and a path to employment for students interested in making a positive impact serving the children and families of Kentucky.
“I grew up around individuals impacted by the child welfare system, and it shaped my desire to be a social worker who leads with understanding rather than judgment,” Johnson said.
As a Kroger Scholar, Johnson has been a coordinator for Nourish the Ville, a food drive targeting the West Louisville “food deserts” and partnering with the local non-profit Cabbage Patch. She also founded the Black Business Society, a club which connects UofL students with networking, career assistance, financial literacy, mental health and other resources. Johnson hopes to continue both these community service activities beyond graduation.
UofL News talked to Ka’Lynn about how University of Louisville and Kent School have influenced her life path and what’s next for her.
UofL News: As a recent Kent School graduate, what have you learned about the impact social workers can make?
Johnson: Social workers create impact at every level for individual, family, and community by being both advocates and support systems. For individuals, social workers provide guidance, mental health support and resources during vulnerable moments. For families, they help strengthen communication, promote reunification when safe and connect them to tools that build stability. On a community level, social workers address systemic issues such as poverty, food insecurity and access to health care.
UofL News: How has your social work education and training in CW Prep enhanced your understanding of the clients you hope to serve?
Johnson: The training has given me a greater understanding of trauma, resilience and systemic barriers. From coursework and hands on experience in child welfare, I have learned that families are often navigating generational challenges, not just isolated problems. It also helped me understand the importance of trauma-informed practice, ethical decision-making, clear communication and empathy while maintaining professional boundaries.
UofL News: How does social work embody your passion and purpose?
Johnson: Social work reflects my personal mission to create stability and opportunity for families who may feel unheard or unsupported. My passion is in helping families break cycles of instability and access the resources they deserve. Social work allows me to turn my experiences, education, and leadership into meaningful action.
UofL News: How do you hope to help your clients in the field?
Johnson: I want to provide trauma-informed mental health support and empower them to see their own strengths. I want families to leave services feeling more stable, confident and hopeful about their future. I also hope to mentor other students entering social work, especially those facing personal hardship, to show them that resilience and purpose can coexist. I want to model leadership that is grounded in service and integrity.
UofL News: What are your post-graduation plans?
Johnson: I currently work as a pharmacy technician at Kroger but hope to transition soon to work at DCBS and gain a few years of experience there before considering other options like perhaps starting my own non-profit. I want to become a licensed social worker and plan to begin my MSSW (master of science in social work) program at UofL in spring 2027.
UofL News: What has been the best part of your UofL Kent School experience?
Johnson: As a Kent School graduate, I am proud to be part of a 90-year legacy that values service, advocacy and community transformation. My journey has not been easy, but it has strengthened my commitment to becoming a future licensed clinical social worker who leads with empathy and courage. I am grateful for the education and mentorship that have prepared me to carry this mission forward.
