Today we’d like to introduce you to Aziel Johnson.
Aziel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
HeRise didn’t start with a perfect plan—it started with seeing the same pattern over and over again: young adults with real potential getting stuck, not because they didn’t care, but because they didn’t have the structure, guidance, or systems to move forward.
That realization turned into action. What began as a response to that gap quickly became hands-on work—supporting participants directly, building relationships, and figuring out in real time what actually helps people create stability in their lives. It wasn’t about theory or motivation alone; it was about building something practical that people could rely on.
As the work grew, it became clear that impact required more than intention—it required structure. HeRise began developing its foundation from the ground up: intake processes, needs assessments, accountability systems, and clear expectations that push participants to follow through on their goals. Much of this has been built through trial, adjustment, and a willingness to learn while doing.
Today, HeRise continues to evolve, but its mission remains the same: to provide the structure, support, and accountability that help individuals turn potential into real, lasting progress. It’s still a growing journey, but it’s rooted in meeting people where they are—and building forward from there.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges HeRise has faced is securing consistent and sustainable funding. As a new organization, we’ve had to build credibility while actively delivering services, which creates a constant balance between operating the program and proving its impact to potential funders.
Beyond funding, a major hurdle has been transitioning from vision to structure. It’s one thing to have a clear idea of what the program should be, but turning that into operational systems—intake processes, compliance tracking, participant accountability frameworks, and measurable outcomes—has required a significant amount of trial, iteration, and discipline.
We’ve also had to build infrastructure in real time. That means developing forms, data systems, reporting structures, and program standards while actively working with participants. There’s no “pause” button to perfect things first—everything is being refined as we go.
Ultimately, the challenge hasn’t just been resources—it’s been learning how to operate with structure, consistency, and accountability at a level that matches the impact we’re trying to create. That learning curve is ongoing, but it’s also what’s strengthening the foundation of HeRise for long-term growth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an operations-focused professional with a background in business administration and computer & data science, and I currently serve as the Executive Director of HeRise Growth Center. My work is centered on building structure—turning vision into systems that actually function day-to-day.
At HeRise, I lead the development of the program’s operational foundation. That includes designing intake processes, building participant tracking systems, establishing accountability standards, and creating the workflows that allow the program to run consistently. Because we’re still growing, a big part of my role is building while executing—developing infrastructure in real time while actively working with participants and managing day-to-day operations.
In addition to HeRise, I serve as a Military & Veterans Liaison at NewU University, where I manage external partnerships and maintain structured communication systems. Across both roles, I’ve built a reputation for being highly organized, detail-oriented, and disciplined when it comes to documentation, follow-through, and making sure things don’t fall through the cracks.
What I specialize in is operationalizing ideas. A lot of organizations have vision, but struggle with execution—I focus on creating the systems, processes, and structure that turn that vision into something real and measurable.
What I’m most proud of is helping shape HeRise during its early stages. Stepping into a leadership role in a growing organization means taking on uncertainty and responsibility at the same time, and I’ve had to develop systems, make decisions, and refine processes without a clear blueprint. At the same time, I earned my degree with a 4.0 GPA, which reflects the level of discipline and consistency I bring into my work.
What sets me apart is my ability to bring structure into environments that don’t have it yet. I’m comfortable operating in ambiguity, building systems from scratch, and holding a high standard for execution while things are still evolving. I don’t just manage operations—I build them.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t think of luck as the driving force behind where I am—I think of it more as timing and opportunity, and what you do with it.
There have definitely been moments of good timing, like being in environments where I had access to leadership opportunities, strong academic support, and the chance to step into roles like Executive Director at HeRise early on. But those opportunities only mattered because I was prepared to take them seriously and follow through.
At the same time, a lot of the work I’ve done—especially with HeRise—has involved navigating uncertainty. Building something from the ground up without guaranteed funding, a clear structure, or a roadmap isn’t luck-driven. It requires consistency, problem-solving, and the ability to keep moving forward even when things aren’t fully in place yet.
If anything, I’d say luck might open a door, but it doesn’t build anything for you. What matters more is discipline, how you respond to challenges, and whether you can create structure and progress regardless of the situation.
Pricing:
- Shared Units: $750
- Private Units: $1,200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.herisegc.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herise_growth_center
