A Woman With Heart

Dianna Freeman Johnson of Ville Platte was named the 2017 Evangeline Parish Women With Heart recipient at the annual United Way Women With Heart luncheon.
Johnson said, “My grandson had a play that day (the same day as the luncheon, but the mayor (Jennifer Vidrine) said I had to be there. I figure I had to be there because we receive a United Way grant for the Ville Platte Boys and Girls Club.
“The award was a surprise, I am humbled by my recognition, but I am exhilarated by such an honor, that people would see that side of me and recognize me as the Evangeline Parish Woman With Heart.”
The luncheon was held February 17 at the Opelousas Civic Center. Lena Charles was honored as the 2017 St. Landry Parish Women With Heart recipient.
Johnson, a native and resident of Ville Platte, began working in the community when she became Evangeline Parish’s Jobs for America’s Graduates coordinator 16 years ago. She is currently based at the Evangeline Central campus located between Ville Platte and Vidrine.
“I keep asking myself how I got so involved in the community,”Johnson said, laughing. “JAG creates initiatives, partnerships with the City of Ville Platte with projects for civic awareness. We partner with the city, the Chamber of Commerce, Chateau Des Amis and the schools.”
Johnson said her passion is to work with youth, and she has several outlets for her desire to help younger generations. Johnson is the director of the Ville Platte Boys and Girls Club. She is also involved with the City of Ville Platte Youth Opportunity Unlimited Mentoring Program and the Ville Platte Youth on the Move Summer Program-Farmer’s Market.
“I am a by-product of summer mentoring programs,” Johnson said. “Being a part of that gave us (Johnson and her siblings) an experience to advance ourselves.
“That is what I offer students here. I am an advocate for students to expect more. We are a campus, a family.”
Johnson is also the vice president of Keep Evangeline Beautiful, and she is involved at her church, St. Peter First Baptist Church.
Johnson said she has a strong support system, and she credits those around her with receiving the Women With Heart Award.
“I have a strong support system,” Johnson said. “There are a lot of people who work behind the scenes with me and for me. I did not do it alone.”
Johnson said when a list of each award recipient’s accomplishments was read aloud at the luncheon, her mother said that the Evangeline Parish winner’s achievements sounded a lot like Johnson.
“She said ‘You do too much,’” Johnson said, laughing.
Johns said she plans to display her award.
“The principle likes for me to hang them where the students can see,” she added, laughing.
She continued, “I enjoying working with at-risk youth, and turning them into positive people. I set high goals for them.”