Johanna Monama

About 

Johanna, also known as Jojo, plays multiple integral roles within the Makers Valley community. She is a dedicated community builder, specializing in addressing social issues and mental health concerns. Jojo leads a women’s support circle focused on empowerment and skill development, while also managing youth programs.

Issues and Ideas

Through her work, Johanna has observed that residents of Makers Valley face numerous challenges and lack safe spaces to discuss their issues and express themselves. She highlights the vulnerability of those living in abandoned buildings due to the absence of basic amenities and inadequate care from authorities. (Further details on abandoned/hijacked buildings can be found in the Built Environment Challenge Area section.) Johanna advocates for improved access to nutritious food in Makers Valley, as healthier options are currently less affordable. Her goal is to empower the community through skills development and entrepreneurship, ensuring that residents are informed about their rights and know where to seek assistance. She encourages participants in the design challenge to focus on addressing the specific needs of the Makers Valley community with their engineering solutions. What ideas can you propose to make nutritious food more accessible and affordable in an urban setting like Makers Valley?

Find out more from Johanna in their video interview, available here.