Past Illinois Women Veteran Leaders Biographies

Nekohl Chantelle Johnson, a U.S. Army veteran, is an educator and advocate committed to the empowerment and well-being of women veterans and trauma survivors. With over 35 years of experience in the clinical laboratory field, she has progressed from laboratory technician to director-level leadership, utilizing her expertise in healthcare, business, and education to develop impactful programs that promote healing and growth.

As the Founder and President of Where We Meet, Inc., a nonprofit theatre company for veterans and trauma survivors, Nekohl harnesses the power of storytelling and the arts to facilitate healing. She is also the visionary behind Be Whole with Nekohl, a platform that equips women veteran leaders with resources, education, and custom tools to achieve wholeness in all aspects of life.

Beyond her nonprofit work, Nekohl is a health sciences professor in both college and private education sectors, shaping future leaders in healthcare. She is also a dedicated veteran community leader, having established multiple Veterans Coffee Chats across Chicagoland, creating safe spaces for veterans to connect, share resources, and support suicide prevention efforts.

She currently serves as the 2025 Ambassador for the Shero Coffee Club, the 16th District Women’s Chairperson for VFW Illinois, Assistant to the State Women’s Chairperson, and will ascend to State of Illinois VFW Women’s Chairperson in June 2025. Nekohl is also a proud member of American Legion Post 800 and the National Women Veterans United.

A published author (A Queen Was Born Again), speaker, and evangelist, Nekohl’s work is rooted in faith, resilience, and community. Through leadership, education, and innovative wellness initiatives, she continues to uplift and advocate for women veterans, ensuring they have the support and resources to thrive.