Kendra Johnson is one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, a recognition of women who have made a significant impact in their communities and across the country. The program launched in 2022 as a continuation of Women of the Century, which commemorated the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote. Meet this year’s honorees at usatoday.com/women-of-the-year-2025
For Delaware House Representative Kendra Johnson, it all started with a seed.
When she was 14 years old in Chester, Pennsylvania, she says a divine presence came and planted a seed “in [her] spirit and in [her] heart,” telling her that she would help uplift others in a crucial field: politics.
Needless to say, she was confused.
“I’m dealing with all of this stuff that young teenage girls deal with related to self-esteem and worth and looking awkward,” Johnson said. “So why on earth … would he give me such a dream?”
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From a young age, Johnson knew helping people was her passion. Seeing how her extended family would constantly support one another inspired her to help those in need, eventually leading her to executive director of the organization Elwyn.
And even though the dream planted in her all those years ago would still pop back up now and again, Johnson continued to brush it away.
But, as she explained, the universe had other plans – mainly, then-state House Representative Melanie George Smith announcing she would not be seeking reelection.
Kendra Johnson is a State Representative in Delaware and represents the 5th District.
Upon hearing this, Johnson felt that same presence reappear, urging her to take a chance and follow this new path.
A path she could no longer ignore.
“I just had to stop and listen – stop brushing it off,” Johnson said.
Johnson is Delaware’s honoree for this year’s USA TODAY’s Women of the Year program.
Since coming into office in 2018, Johnson has made it her mission to better the lives of her fellow Delawareans, leading the charge on several pieces of legislation.
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In 2024, Johnson was the primary sponsor behind House Bill 374, which sought to codify protections for Delawareans’ access to fertility services and technologies, including in vitro fertilization.
This bill was personal for Johnson, who previously had undergone IVF treatment herself and sought to ensure that physicians providing these same services – and, in turn, the families who receive them – would be protected.
“And without access to that [IVF], I would not be a mom – and I wanted to be a mother,” Johnson said. “And so I wanted the physicians to have the safeguards that they needed so that they could continue to do the great work that they do.”
Kendra Johnson, D-Bear waves to the crowd after being sworn in for the start of the 150th General Assembly at Legislative Hall in Dover.
The bill was signed into law by then-state Governor Carney in September. (Johnson’s physician, Dr. Larry Barmat, was among those present.)
From pushing for the passage of landmark legislation to serving on a wide range of committees, Johnson has sought to use her position to help uplift those around her.
In other words, she continues to let that seed inside her blossom.
During our time together, Johnson spoke about the people and experiences that shaped her, what she is most proud of and how she overcomes whatever challenges come her way.
Who inspired or paved the path for you?
Kendra Johnson is a State Representative in Delaware and represents the 5th District.
My paternal grandmother, who raised me from 14 to 22 [years old]. I say that, not only because of the sacrifice – like what senior citizen wants to take on the responsibility of raising teenagers; like that is huge? – but she did that; she made that sacrifice out of love.
One of the things that my grandmother did that certainly changed the trajectory of my life is when I was 22 years old … I got up one morning and my grandmother says to me, “OK, Kendra, we’re going to school.” I didn’t know what she was talking about …
My grandmother drove us to Delaware County Community College, she’s like, “You’re going to take the placement testing and you’re going to sign up for college courses,” and she stayed there with me all day while I did that … and because she did that, she believed in me, and it changed my whole life about who I am and who I could become.
How do you define courage?
I define courage as faith – faith because, without faith for me, I would not have had the courage to do many of the things I have done in my life. It is my faith that provides me with the courage to step out.
Kendra Johnson is a State Representative in Delaware and represents the 5th District.
Is there a guiding principle or mantra you tell yourself?
There’s a whole lot of things that guide me.
This is on my calendar, and it pops up every single day at 12 o’clock in the afternoon. It says, “Be unafraid of the judgement of others. Be bold and courageous.” Because the judgement of others is what stops us – it’s what creates fear.
It makes you immobile, but once you are not afraid of that, you can be bold and courageous.
How do you overcome adversity?
My daddy always says this: Adversity breeds character.
He always says that because … when you’re in those moments and those tough times that show you who you really are.
So, who I really am, as it relates to adversity, is that I work to be very thoughtful and understanding – that I might believe and feel all this stuff based upon my own experiences, but my experiences may differ from others.
So, that’s the first thing: just to be thoughtful and understand that we all come from different places – and with that, to reflect on what that might be and then be open to listening, even if I don’t agree to be open.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
The younger Kendra – 14-year-old little Black girl from Chester, low self-esteem; no confidence; didn’t believe in herself; didn’t think she was smart or worthy or worth being loved … suffering from depression and suicidal ideation – I would say to that little girl, you are worthy; you are loved; and believe it or not, your life is going to be amazing.This interview has been shortened for clarity.
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. You can reach her at omontes@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Kendra Johnson of Delaware is named USA Today Women of the Year honoree
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