Brenda Johnson ’95

When Brenda Johnson ’95 was growing up, her mom had a strong feeling she’d become a nurse—and as it turns out, her mom was right. After moving to Medford with her family and graduating from North Medford High School, Brenda already had her sights set on Southern Oregon State College (now SOU). Living nearby, she had spent time on campus as a teen and always felt at home there. “It just felt right,” she said. “It was accessible, it was welcoming, and it gave me the opportunity to pursue something meaningful.”

While attending college full-time, she worked part-time and fully immersed herself in her studies. One professor, Grace “Señora Chela” Tapp Kocks, left a profound mark on her. “She was the most influential person in my life on campus,” Brenda shared. “She encouraged me—pushed me, really—to study abroad in Guanajuato, Mexico. That exchange during my sophomore year changed everything. It shaped who I am today.”

In Guanajuato, Brenda gained more than language skills—she discovered confidence, resilience, and a deeper sense of empathy. Living with a host family she still keeps in touch with, navigating healthcare in a second language during a personal illness, and tackling rigorous academic coursework helped her develop a deep understanding of the challenges faced by others, especially those learning English as a second language. “That experience directly impacts how I lead La Clinica now,” she said. “I understand how central healthcare is to all of our lives and how vulnerable we can feel when we don’t have it – it’s a deep understanding and a powerful part of what drives me,” she added

After returning to Ashland, she continued her Spanish major at SOU while also enrolling in the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) nursing program at the Ashland campus. Balancing two demanding programs was not easy—but she never wavered. “I always believed that combining Spanish and nursing would open more doors, and it did. It made me a better nurse and a better communicator.”

In 1995, Brenda earned her bachelor of arts in Spanish from SOU and a bachelor of science in Nursing from OHSU. She later went on to earn her MBA from Purdue University, a decision that would strengthen her leadership capacity and help her grow La Clinica into a regional healthcare cornerstone. “My time at SOU gave me more than an education—it gave me a sense of belonging, of purpose. It was where I discovered who I wanted to be and found people who believed in me. That foundation has stayed with me ever since.”

After graduation, Brenda began her career in public health nursing, including a clinical rotation at La Clinica—the same organization she now leads. Over the past 25 years, Brenda has grown with La Clinica, becoming its second CEO and overseeing a tremendous transformation. “When I started, we served about 1,000 people a year with a budget of under $1 million. Today, we serve over 30,000 people annually with a $61 million budget and a team of over 500 employees,” she said. “It’s an absolute privilege to lead this organization. I’m proud of what we’ve built together and the impact we continue to have on our community.”

Learn more: La Clinica Health