DBT40 Honoree: Katie Soja Johnson of Ronald McDonald House of Delaware

Photo by Luigi Ciuffetelli

AGE: 30
TITLE: Operations Director
COMPANY: Ronald McDonald House of Delaware
CITY: Wilmington

What the nominator said: “As Operations Director for the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, Katie Soja Johnson has quickly learned what it takes to keep a 60,000-square-foot building in top condition, keeping 50 families safe and comfortable in their “˜home away from home.’ As a board member of the Next Generation of the Delaware Community Foundation, she is a part of making grants possible for nonprofit organizations in Delaware.”

Social media platform you can’t live without: Facebook; I’ve had it since almost the beginning when you had to have a .edu e-mail address to register. I love how quick and easy it is to share information.

Your biggest break: When I was asked by a former co-worker to join Next Generation North of the Delaware Community Foundation. It’s been almost two years since I’ve joined and the connections I’ve made and the skills I’ve gained have been invaluable.

Best career advice you ever got: My Dad has always said, “It’s not where you start, it’s where you end up and how you get there.”

Two words that best describe you: Compassionate and determined.

If you were in charge of Delaware: I would look for ways to encourage more employers to sponsor employee wellness plans. Health and wellness are very important to me, and these plans are proven to increase productivity and reduce employee sick days. It’s a win-win situation.

In one sentence, define “success.” Success is finding value and worth in what you do every day and waking up excited to see where the day will take you.