Vocalist/guitarist Steph Johnson is an award-winning, multi-dimensional songwriter and recording artist whose music deftly blends jazz, soul, funk and blues. Her most recently released album, Music is Art, was produced and arranged by Grammy Award-winner Kamau Kenyatta. Her soon-to-be-released So in Love is a jazz album featuring pianist Josh Nelson (Natalie Cole), guitarist Anthony Wilson (Diana Krall), and husband/bassist Rob Thorsen. 

In 2016, Johnson started a choir for people experiencing homelessness with Nina Deering. Today, the Voices of Our City Choir has swelled to 225 members and helped over 75 of its members get off the street and into housing. Johnson became a spokesperson and the choir became a symbol of what a grassroots effort can accomplish. Johnson and members of her staff sit on local homeless committees and boards, and advise the city council and the mayor’s office on issues.

In addition to advocacy, Voices of Our City is an inspirational musical ensemble that has garnered plenty of headlines. The choir has been the focus of a documentary that aired nationally on PBS stations. The group has performed with the San Diego Symphony and opened a benefit concert at the historic Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on a bill that featured Jason Mraz and founding members of the Doors. Most recently the choir auditioned for Season 15 of America’s Got Talent.

Steph Johnson turned the choir into a nonprofit and serves as both CEO and Creative Director. She was named the 2020 Woman of the Year by San Diego Assembly member Todd Gloria:

“I am honored to name Steph Johnson the Woman of the Year for the 78th Assembly District.  Voices of Our City, the innovative program Steph co-created to harness the power of music to change lives, gives homeless men and women hope and a chance to connect with others. The choir not only provides an outlet for unsheltered San Diegans to participate in the uplifting benefits of music and creativity, but also serves as an access point to services. Voices of Our City has provided the perfect vehicle for dozens of choir members to get off the street and into permanent housing.”

Click here to hear her original music and learn more about her life, or visit StephJohnsonBand.com

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Lindsey's drive to engage in bold, authentic social justice work fuels her career in the nonprofit sector. Her 14 years of nonprofit experience spans from entry level to senior leadership, with both community-based and nationally affiliated organizations--including Feeding San Diego and Kitchens for Good. Lindsey applies her diverse leadership experience to help nonprofits engage both staff and participants in root cause solutions to poverty, integrate trauma-informed approaches to human services, leverage national partnerships, and advance their missions through advocacy.

Always in partnership with clients, her advocacy around food access, community health, and housing has brought her to both California’s State Capitol and the United States Capitol. A sought-after public speaker, Lindsey has presented before regional and international audiences on food insecurity, dignified service delivery, and community health education.

She has also served as an Adoptee speaker at adoption and foster care conferences for over a decade. Lindsey holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Public Relations, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Nutrition. 

Lindsey is a licensed Episcopal lay preacher, flautist, pianist, first degree Black Belt, former ballerina and music instructor. An adamant lover of poetry and pierogies, she resides in San Diego with her husband Andrew, and their pups: Hannah and Kenny Doggins.

Dennis spent his professional career in the service of others but found his true home in social service in 2008. After several years in retail, and later, private investigation, Dennis elected to move into the non-profit sector. It was his work with Thresholds, a prominent community mental health agency in Chicago, that led him to become a strong advocate for mental health, addiction services, and social justice. 

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After moving to San Diego in 2014, Dennis used his education and professional skills to work with unsheltered men and women in transitional housing programs. He soon found his way to program management for an outpatient treatment center, and later became the Clinic Director for an opioid treatment facility in North County. Dennis has been a college instructor, case manager, program manager, and director, but in the end, he is a champion and advocate for equality and justice for marginalized communities. He has a strong working knowledge of the social service system, but his strength and passion lie in the education, guidance, and empowerment of those he serves so that they can find and use their voices to effect true, intentional, and lasting change.  

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Dennis holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology, and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing. He is an award-winning novelist and short story writer, and while he does not miss Midwest winters, he is a baseball fan who misses the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs, and deep-dish pizza.

Yolanda Sommer has more than 20 years of experience as a non-profit professional. She has developed successful fundraising and donor relation strategies for the South Carolina Aquarium, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Penland School of Craft, and most recently, Rady Children's Hospital Foundation.  Her marketing and recruitment efforts have helped these organizations establish new programming, increase equitable opportunities, and surpass fundraising goals.

Yolanda earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of South Carolina.  She serves as a Board Member for the newly formed Crafting the Future organization which focuses on connecting artists of color with new opportunities. 

Yolanda herself is a craft hobbyist working in textiles and letterpress.  She and her spouse, David, live in La Mesa with their dog Maddy. 

Natalie has been with Voices since September 2023. She spent 5 years studying at Mount San Antonio College with a focus on vocal jazz and composition. She was a proud member of numerous choirs including Mount San Antonio College Chamber Choir, the vocal jazz group Frontline, and the women's vocal ensemble. Performing, traveling, and competing with these groups she was immersed in a world of music ranging from jazz to classical.

Natalie brings a fresh and focused perspective on choral composition to the Choir and brightens the lives of all those who come into the Voices space through the language of song, music, and laughter.

“I am motivated by the direct impact I see being made on the wonderful members of our community, as well as every guest and volunteer that joins us.” Natalie shares. 

“I get to see people walk in the door, from whatever high or low place they may be coming from and get genuinely excited to be a part of what we are doing. I get to dig into music that truly speaks to what we all feel here; music with meaning and music that comes from the heart — all while having loads of fun! Nothing could be more amazing.”

Kathie has been with Voices since August, 2023. Prior to that, she spent 13 years in the nonprofit world working at the NTC Foundation at Liberty Station, UCSD, and Kitchens for Good.

Although most of her experience has been in the events industry, she is excited about the role of Office Manager, and the opportunity to wear many hats working with a small, effective team.

Voices resonates with Kathie because she witnesses first-hand, the transformative power of music and creativity, combined with genuine human connection and sees it change lives. She thrives on the fun, creative, and positive energy of this team, and is passionate about contributing to Voices' growth and evolution into the future.

Enrique has been with Voices Of Our City Choir since June, 2021. Before landing at Voices, Enrique lived in Los Angeles and worked at Homeboy Industries, Project 180, and First To Serve. 

Enrique is a Graduate Of Theology and has certificates in Business and Business Office Administration. 

“I have been through so much in life and to help and be of service to others with similar or even greater struggles is an honor. I love seeing others rise above trials and hardships. Freedom motivates me! A chance to start over with new beginnings and live life right is a blessing.” 

“Creativity is a huge part of who I am. Voices Of Our City Choir allows me to learn, grow, teach, and express art in a way that positively impacts choir members. I love to be part of a team that brings awesome change in individuals through the power of creativity.”

Naylenie has been an integral part of Voices since 2022, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to our mission. Before joining our team, she dedicated her time actively connecting our unsheltered neighbors to essential services and assisting incarcerated individuals in preparing for their reintegration into society.

Naylenie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from San Diego State University. She has actively contributed to Fraternidad Sinaloense CA, playing a pivotal role in reuniting families separated for over two decades. Her outstanding community outreach work with the Homeless Outreach Network (HON) has garnered recognition.

What truly invigorates Naylenie about Voices of Our City is our unwavering commitment to leveraging the transformative power of music. She firmly believes that music possesses the unique ability to bridge gaps and heal wounds. Being part of an organization that utilizes this power to bring hope and joy to homeless and marginalized individuals resonates deeply with her.

Naylenie believes everyone deserves to be heard and valued. Her role within the organization is dedicated to offering unwavering support, empowering members to achieve their goals, and facilitating positive change. Whether it's aiding in finding housing, providing dignified shower services, or advocating for members' needs, Naylenie fosters an environment where creativity thrives, and voices are uplifted.

Jilian finds joy in supporting people along their journeys . She is a graduate from Point Loma Nazarene University with a B.A. in Social Work and spent four years volunteering and mentoring with the students at the Monarch school in San Diego. It was there that she decided to pursue the field of social work and felt called work with our unsheltered brothers and sisters. 

Prior to joining Voices of Our City, Jilian spent time living in East Africa doing internships at schools and organizations that help equip mothers and young girls with income generating skills. 

" I am a big believer in the power of community," Jilian shares, "... what I love the most about Voices is that it is centered around belonging and radical hospitality. I believe every person has a seat at the table and I love to foster a space that welcomes and loves all people well."
 

As for her creativity outlet, she loves photojournalism and has a deep love of capturing people and their unique stories. She also loves cooking, hiking, playing futsal and watching the Denver Nuggets.