SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT
PINKY PROMISE INTERNATIONAL
“Starting off with my first encounter with Ms. Johnson she believed in me way more
than I believed in myself by appointing me as the president of her newly organized
organization Pinky Promise. She challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and
to not be afraid to voice my opinion. She pushed me to be a better woman and
ultimately the push to go and be a Spelman Woman. If it wasn’t for Ms. Johnson I would
have come to college blindsided on many factors of life such as peer pressure, the
balance of school and social life, the importance of saving money, how not to be
ashamed about my religious beliefs and so much more. Ms. Johnson really became a
mentor for me during my transition from high school to college. She was and still is
always there with encouraging words, support, WISDOM, and love. Ms. Johnson opened
my eyes to the life of a Black Woman in America and if it wasn’t for her initial support
for me I probably would not be where I am today.”
Kristina L. Brown
PPI Class of 2013 Graduate Spelman College Graduate Class of 2017
B.A. Mathematics, University of Memphis, MBA
B.A. Mathematics, University of Memphis, MBA
“Ms. Vicki has influenced my life in many ways, more than just one.
She has motivated and pushed me to heights that I didn’t know I could reach.
I love and appreciate her like she was my own mother.
She will always be my light at the end of the tunnel.”
Eric Dodson, II
PPI Gent’s Promise Class of 2014 Graduate & Gent’s Leadership Academy Middle Tennessee State University Class of 2019 to 2021 Major: Criminal Justice, Minor: Cyber Security
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Vicki for four years now.
In that somewhat short amount of time, Ms. Vicki has taught me
a plethora of imperative life lessons that I still use today.
The most important lesson overall was how stand up for myself. Ms. Vicki
entered my life at a time where I was very lost and confused. I had so many
feelings inside of me but I could never voice them appropriately. Ms. Vicki
taught me how to filter my emotions and take the time to gather my thoughts
and then deliver them in an appropriate manner. Not only did this skill come in
handy at home and at school but is now being used more than
ever on a college level. I am thankful for Ms. Vicki
and all of the lessons she has taught me!”
Caleesha Body
PPI Class of 2014 Graduate & Promise Leadership Academy Hampton University Class of 2019 Major: Psychology, Currently enrolled in Emory University School of Law
VICKI M. JOHNSON’S IMPACT
EXPRESSIONS FROM STUDENTS
“Vicki Marie Johnson is not only my mentor; she is also my birth mother. My mother has been
extremely influential in my life and I consider her an image I aspire to mirror. I am grateful for
everything she has imparted in my life throughout the years. My mother has taught me the essence of
true womanhood. She also has given tremendous key points of class and poise, and she has guided
me with her great leadership. My mother has not only challenged me scholastically in my academics,
but also in my work ethic. She has charged me to be the best I can be at all times. My mother is my
#1 supporter and for that I am grateful for she is and always will be someone I can count on.”
Alexis Johnson
PPI Class of 2013 Graduate & Promise Leadership Academy Tennessee State University Graduate Class of 2018 & 2019 Major: Nursing, ASN, BSN, BHSc, R&B Music Artist
Ms. Vicki,
You have influenced my life by encouraging me to lead. You taught me to use my voice to get others
to listen. Initially I thought you were being too picky when you stated, “Jasmine look up and speak
with authority.” You were not being picky. Your words resonated and now I use my voice to speak
with authority as I complete presentations in college; interview for internships and present my
portfolio to others. Ms. Vicki, I would like to thank you for grooming me to become a leader.
Also, after receiving acceptance letters to over 35 colleges, I chose to attend Spelman College in
Atlanta, Georgia after graduation. I was moved by your effort to ensure I was exposed to HBCU’s as
you put together college tours for Pinky Promise. You opened my eyes to the rich history, tradition
and academic excellence within the “heart” of historically black colleges and universities.
Jasmine Leavy,
PPI Class of 2014 Graduate & Promise Leadership Academy Spelman College Class of 2019 Major: Biology, Pre-Med Track
Ms. Vicki, how are you? Thank you for wishing us a successful school year as we embark on this
journey for the Fall 2017 school term. I really appreciate it and you for all that you continue to do to
impact our lives, although no longer in Memphis but away in college. The experience I received this
summer at my NASA internship was an experience that I will cherish forever. I was able to network
with so many people and because of the skills learned in PPI & PLA on presentation skills made my
presentation a success.
You would be very proud of me on how I am being a leader on campus and not even having the
role/title of Miss Rust. The SGA President and others depend on me for a lot of things and I continue
to be that leader that you taught me to be and set aside my personal opinion(s) and differences that I
have for many reasons on how things went down with the election this past Spring. Many students
see me on campus and compliment me on what I am doing this year thus far. I truly remind myself
that I only have 5 more classes to graduate and not entertain the dumb stuff as you always say!
See Ms. Vicki I was listening and taking notes even when you thought we weren't. We learned many
life lessons with you!
Jasmaine Dean
PPI Class of 2013 Graduate & Promise Leadership Academy Rust College Graduate Class of 2018 Major: Engineering, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, MS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology