After decades of pioneering work at NASA, Anngienetta Johnson, M.S. ‘92, D.Sc ’03, didn’t want to stop making her mark on the world. As she neared retirement, her drive to take on new challenges and help others led her to GW’s School of Engineering & Applied Science (GW Engineering), where she earned her doctorate in engineering management and laid the foundation for her next mission: leading large-scale humanitarian efforts across the U.S.
Breaking Barriers at NASA
Originally from Wichita Falls, Texas, Johnson and her twin sister, Margienetta Norris, were first-generation college students at Texas Woman’s University, where they both earned bachelor’s degrees. Through NASA’s cooperative education employment program, Johnson completed her degree while gaining hands-on experience. She alternated between semesters in the classroom and at NASA while welcoming a baby along the way.
The determination Johnson initially brought propelled her through a distinguished 40-year career at NASA, from which she retired in 2009. Recognizing her sharp analytical skills and leadership potential, NASA leaders entrusted Johnson with increasingly complex roles, from data reduction to mission control and, eventually, to the space station.
As one of few women and often the only African American, Johnson’s tenacity led her to break barriers. In 1981, she made history as the first Black woman payload officer, overseeing critical spacecraft instrumentation for NASA’s second space shuttle flight.
In 1987, Johnson faced the difficult decision of staying in Texas or moving her family to the Washington, D.C., area for a big promotion. After this transition, her drive to keep on the cutting edge led her back to the classroom. She pursued her first degree at GW, a master’s in information technology, in 1989 while managing payload data at the space station, which equipped her with the expertise to navigate an increasingly data-driven space industry.
“All along, my refuge was GW because I was always put into a job that said you don’t have all the experience. So, I started taking classes,” said Johnson.
A New Chapter: GW Engineering and the American Red Cross
After over a decade in D.C., Johnson was introduced to GW Engineering’s Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management, which trains students to manage resources in high-stakes, uncertain situations across various hazard types. Drawn in by her commitment to community work, she began her doctorate at the institute in 1999, focusing on emergency management.
Johnson noted a distinguishing factor of this program was the real-world relevance, saying, “It wasn’t just a classroom. GW Engineering brought the world to us, and we knew we were on the leading edge.”
Each month, notable experts from across the country came to discuss their work, exposing Johnson to the complexities of disaster response. During her final year, firsthand accounts from medical triage professionals responding to the September 11th attacks reinforced her dedication to training the next generation of emergency managers. Her advisor, Professor Emeritus John Harrald, encouraged her to apply her expertise in practice at the American Red Cross.
By deepening her understanding of large-scale crisis management and honing her organizing, planning, and problem-solving skills, Johnson’s doctoral training prepared her to assess evolving crises and allocate resources effectively. These responsibilities have formed the foundation of her work with the Red Cross after she began volunteering in 2001.
“When people notice you have a doctorate from GW, they’re sort of in awe because it’s a significant school. People expect me to bring something different and be a problem-solver,” Johnson stated.
The Red Cross relies heavily on Johnson’s versatility in particularly challenging situations, such as managing 2,000 unaccompanied children. She’s also frequently called on to manage mega-shelter efforts, like those during Hurricane Harvey, where she helped almost 4,000 people. Earlier this year, Johnson aided California residents impacted by wildfires by managing efforts to transition them from shelters to sustainable living situations while homes are rebuilt.
A Legacy of Service and Mentorship
Johnson's drive to give back stems from those around her, particularly her mother and twin sister. Growing up, she witnessed their mother’s selflessness while caring for those in need. One memory Johnson shared was when she was preparing for college; her mother not only advocated for scholarships for her and her sister but also for children across their community.
Throughout her career, Johnson has remained committed to learning and seeking new ways to share her knowledge. She has made it her mission to support and mentor young women in STEM, ensuring they know their dreams are within reach, no matter the barriers.
In her recent book, Right Where I Belong, Johnson discusses the challenges she faced at NASA and the Red Cross, including discrimination. However, she emphasizes that these experiences do not define one’s self-worth. Education was always Johnson’s tool for breaking barriers, and her training at GW Engineering strengthened her ability to assist communities and gave her the skills needed to lead humanitarian efforts.
Reflecting on her life’s work and the distinguished career she continues to build, Johnson expressed gratitude for the help that others have given her and emphasized that success isn’t just about personal achievement but rather uplifting others. She encourages fellow GW Engineering alumni to use their education and expertise for the greater good as she has.
“Maybe I have a skill that can help someone else. Maybe I can train and help people grow. I am a believer that until you die, you keep striving for something new to do to help the world,” said Johnson.