Member Monday: Carin Ross Johnson
This Monday, we are featuring Junior League sustainer Carin Ross Johnson as part of our Member Monday series. Carin — banker, business owner, mother, and founder of non-profit, Lydia’s Legacy— is truly a renaissance woman. Read more about the Miami native below.
1) Thanks for taking time to share some personal insights with us today, Carin. Can you give us some background information?
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida and still consider myself a “Miami” girl. Growing up, my mom was always involved in the community and got me started with volunteering early through girl scouts, church, Key Club (high school), Jack and Jill and Business Kids of America. I also played sports and the piano, so I was just as busy then as I am now. I went to college at UNC Chapel Hill (Go Heels!) and graduated with a degree in psychology. After school, I was not ready to go back home, so I came to Charlotte where I had some family, and the rest is history. I have a brother and father who still live in South Florida. I’m now married to my husband Donnie and we have twins named Hampton and Lydia.
2) What is the best and worst decision you’ve ever made?
If I had to do it all over again, I might have considered working for myself or following my passion for art earlier in life, versus thinking a corporate-pay-your-bills-life was the best way to go. I had the opportunity before I had children to work for myself and/or go back to school to follow my dreams. I have a great career in financial services, so it’s not a horrible thing that I don’t work for myself. I’m able to travel to wonderful places and have gotten incredible and invaluable experience with the career path that I’ve chosen.
3) What woman inspires you and why?
Women inspire me. In general. I’ve always been pro-girl/team-girl. We are amazing creatures… somehow we manage to carry children, work, be humane, fun, beautiful and loving while low-key running the world. Some of the women that inspire me are entrepreneurs, leaders and those who are top at their talent. Women like Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, Michelle Obama are my current “sheroes.” My mother and my grandmother most inspired me. They both were extremely loving and super witty and smart! The thing they most left with me, that I hope to leave with my children, was inspiring notes, poetry and cards. Things that I will have forever, as a part of me, especially now that the art of handwriting is somewhat lost…
4) From start to finish, what would your ideal day be like?
Ideal day? Oh! I play this out almost daily in my mind… if I could do anything, I’d get up work out or play tennis. Shower and have a nice breakfast. Go to the spa, then spend the rest of the day in the pool or reading, relaxing or thinking up some business ideas… If I had to work, I’d be working on those business ideas.
5) What keeps you up at night?
Two things… usually job stress which is not worth it… but my children’s future. When I hear about icebergs breaking off in Antarctica and I see all of the waste, I truly worry about food and other shortages when they get older…
6) If you could tell your 23-year-old self one thing what would it be?
Move on! I think I spent my younger years worried about stuff (like boys) that really didn’t matter. I would tell myself to move on and start sooner on my career and finding my true passion and purpose in life.
7) One thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I grew up extremely shy and am very introverted. Some people just do not believe that about me. Those who are close to me know it. I can turn it on and off, but when I’m in my true self, I am quiet and introverted.
8) How has the Junior League helped you develop your potential, taught you something unique, and/or given you an opportunity that you never would have had otherwise?
Junior League helped me to get invaluable experience in a grown-up volunteer world. Not only did I get to support out of League and in-League placements, I served on the Board of Directors which helped me develop a passion for board leadership. Additionally, the League built my network of women in the Charlotte community. Many of those women are still very good, close friends. While some of us are sustainers, we continue to volunteer together in other community organizations. The opportunity to expand my network and build lifelong friendships is something for which I will always credit the League.
9) Why did you start Lydia’s Legacy?
My mother was diagnosed with a late stage uterine cancer. At the time, we really knew nothing about this type of cancer; what to expect or what to do. I really didn’t feel like she got the best treatment and I wanted to make sure others knew about these diseases.
After three years of treatment, my mom passed away, and I felt like I needed to do something to support others in my grief…She always told me when I feel bad, do something good for someone else. So, I formed the nonprofit in her honor. We raise funds for research, and support community education to promote awareness and education about gynecological cancers.
10) What do you think your mother would think of everything Lydia’s Legacy has accomplished?
My mom was very humble and shy. She would be so surprised and say that I really didn’t have to do all of this for her. In the same spirit, she was feisty and would happily say “darn skippy” that we are trying to beat the crap out of cancer.
11) Where do you see Lydia’s Legacy in 20 years?
This year we are hoping to launch an endowment fund to ensure the perpetuity of Lydia’s Legacy. Therefore, my hope is that even when I retire, we are still funding research and raising awareness. Unless of course they find a vaccine or cure, then I would love us to be out of the business for that reason!
Written by Marielle Harris
