Raina Johnson

Raina Johnson. Photo courtesy of NEWaukee.

Where do you work and what makes your role awesomesauce?

In the daytime, I’m an associate at Nation Consulting. The short answer is that my role as an associate is awesomesauce I’m pushed and challenged and that allows me to stretch my capacity and I work alongside some of the smartest people I’ve ever known. I’m really fortunate to do what I’m good at and what I love, which is writing. When I’m not at Nation, I’m a freelance writer. I write mostly on mental health in the Black community, parenting, and LGBTQ issues.

What is something that is missing from our community that you would love to see implemented?

Multiple childcare-co-ops. And before folks come at me, I know there’s one in Bay View, and that’s cool, if you live in Bay View. But I don’t. I live in Silver City, but I think if we had a few committed parents get together and use the timeshare model to build community while caring for each other’s children in the home, I believe our city and our world would be a much better place.

What is your favorite Milwaukee tradition?

Hands down PrideFest Milwaukee. Not only is it the opener for Milwaukee summer festival season, it’s truly such a lovely time of friends getting together just being who they are and loving it.

What does your ideal Milwaukee weekend look like?

Self-care. Self-care. Self-care. On Saturday’s my son and I practice Self-care Saturday, in which we unapologetically schedule (or don’t) things that we both enjoy. Those things can include a movie at home, hanging out with friends, exploring at the Urban Ecology Center Menomonee Valley, an art project, going to the library, sleeping in or some yoga. And on Sunday’s we grab brunch at The National or a bakery item from El Rey and attend Milwaukee Friends Meeting. Afterwards, we usually walk along the river and gather our thoughts for the week ahead.

What neighborhood do you live in and why do you love it?

I currently live in Silver City. I love my neighborhood for the diversity and access to different parts of the city. Our house is sandwiched between two major thoroughfares, S. 35th and S. 27th streets. We live within walking distance of a MKE Plays playground, the Urban Ecology Center Menomonee Valley, a bunch of amazing Thai restaurants, the best Mexican food truck, and a grocery store. My neighborhood is really diverse and active too. I always see kids outside playing and people walking their dogs.

What’s your favorite hidden gem or secret fact about the city?

My favorite hidden gem is the Healing Garden on the 8th floor of St. Luke’s hospital. I was a communications intern at Aurora Health Care and I remember going through the media kit and double-checking the spelling for all the flower species names, what a task! But I love the garden and I feel like not that many people know about it, unless they are patients at St. Luke’s.