AMPLIFY NASHVILLE HONOREES

A native of Tokyo, Japan, Mina Johnson was Nashville’s first Japanese naturalized citizen to be elected to Metro Council, and continues to be an active voice for her community, both as an immigrant and a Nashvillian. Mina currently serves on the Metro Planning Commission representing the Mayor’s office, on the Board of Sister Cities and the Board of Women for Tennessee’s Future.

In 2015, Mina became the first female immigrant to serve on Nashville’s Metro Council and during her term, she was instrumental in issues ranging from homelessness and gender equality to environmental preservation and city planning. But even before her time in public service, Mina’s commitment to her community has often found her speaking up for the unseen needs of fellow Nashvillians.

In the wake of Nashville’s 2010 flood, Mina was one of the first to recognize its impact on the largely Egyptian community at the Millwood Manor apartments, an area that had been completely decimated by the flood but remained overlooked. She loaded up her own truck with supplies for the complex and actively sought support from the city for her immigrant neighbors.

Often using her unique experience as an immigrant to connect people from all walks of life, Mina’s curiosity and passion has made a lasting impact on our city. Both as a private citizen and a public servant, Mina has been a good neighbor to all who call Nashville home.