David J. Johns graduated with honors from Columbia University in 2004 with a triple major in English, Creative Writing and African American Studies. His research as an Andrew W. Mellon Fellow served as a catalyst to identify, disrupt, and supplant deleterious perceptions of black males both within academia and society. Following graduation, Johns obtained a Masters degree in Sociology and Education Policy at Teachers College, Columbia University, while simultaneously teaching elementary school in New York City. His Master’s thesis, “Shadowboxing: Black Male Identity and Independent Schools,” examined how Black male adolescents at elite, self-selecting independent schools understand and respond to perceptions and expectations of Black males. Johns currently serves as Senior Education Policy Advisor to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), chaired by Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa). Prior to working for Chairman Harkin Johns had the distinct honor of serving under the leadership of Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA). Johns is the lead aide responsible for policy and programs involving early childhood education, women and children, and workforce development. His policy portfolio includes issues affecting low-income and minority students; immigrants and English language learners; native populations; education technology; literacy; parent and community engagement, and neglected youth and foster children. Prior to working for the Senate HELP Committee Johns served as a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Fellow in the office of Congressman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY). David J. Johns was recently recognized by the EnVest fund as a special “40 Under 40” honoree, a recognition bestowed upon 4 of 40 noteworthy recipients for professional and philanthropic excellence and by the National Association for the Advancement of Color Peoples “Power 40”. His essay “If Not For Me, Then For My Children,” was recently published in the National Urban League’s 2009 State of Black America Report. In 2007, Johns was named one of Ebony Magazines “30 Top Leaders Under 30” and his essay “Re-Imagining Black Masculinity” was published in the National Urban League’s State of Black America Report that same year. Johns has presented at and spoken before more than 200 workshops at national education and policy conferences since 2005. David J. Johns is also the founder of DJJ Consulting, a boutique consulting firm committed to increasing underserved students’ access to and quality of educational opportunities and experiences. An avid volunteer, Johns is a member of the Magic Johnson Taylor Michael’s Scholarship Program committee and a Director of Development for IMPACT, an organization founded to increase knowledge in the political and legislative process and to enhance economic empowerment opportunities for young professionals. Johns is also on the board of Plan for Success, a non-profit committed to diversity in the workplace. He is currently working on several projects to improve literacy among adolescent minority males, strengthen resources available to minority students at elite private schools, and a book project designed to help students navigate the college admissions and financial aid process.