For Brandon Dean Johnson, empowering young people isn’t just part of his job—it’s his life’s purpose. As the CEO of Create Now, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles, Johnson is dedicated to using the arts to inspire, uplift, and change the lives of youth facing significant challenges.
Create Now focuses on helping at-risk youth navigate some of life’s toughest obstacles, including homelessness, foster care, and incarceration. The organization provides creative outlets that allow kids to express themselves, discover their potential, and envision brighter futures. Under Johnson’s leadership, these programs have continued to grow and evolve, reaching more youth and delivering greater impact.
Johnson’s relationship with Create Now began long before he became CEO. He started as a volunteer, spending six years teaching art workshops to kids who often felt forgotten by society. Whether it was introducing a teenager to painting for the first time or helping a young writer craft their story, Johnson saw the transformative effect creativity could have on their confidence and self-worth.
What set Johnson apart, even as a volunteer, was his ability to connect with the youth on a personal level. He didn’t just teach; he listened. He encouraged kids to share their stories and helped them realize that their voices mattered. That connection became the foundation of his approach when he eventually stepped into a leadership role.
Brandon’s journey to Create Now was shaped by his own experiences with the arts. Growing up in North Carolina, he found an outlet in creativity and pursued a degree in Graphic Design and Fine Arts at Elizabeth City State University. His passion for art extended beyond personal expression—he wanted to share it with others. After college, he taught art programs in Europe, where he saw how creativity could unite and inspire kids from vastly different backgrounds.
When he returned to the U.S., Johnson brought that same passion to Los Angeles. His time in the entertainment industry, working on creative projects and events, gave him the tools to make a bigger impact. But his heart was always with the kids he worked with at Create Now, and when the opportunity arose to take on a larger role, he embraced it.
As CEO, Johnson has continued to immerse himself in the lives of the youth Create Now serves. He frequently visits workshops, interacts with participants, and mentors kids one-on-one. His presence isn’t just symbolic; it’s intentional. “Being there shows them that they’re worth the time and effort,” Johnson explains. “That someone genuinely cares about what they have to say.”
Johnson’s focus is on giving these kids more than just a temporary escape—he’s providing them with tools for lasting change. The workshops at Create Now aren’t just about creating art; they’re about creating opportunities. From filmmaking to music production to visual arts, each program is designed to help kids develop skills, build confidence, and see possibilities beyond their current circumstances.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Johnson’s work has been watching young people grow into their potential. He recalls a teenager who started a music program at Create Now with little belief in himself. Over time, that same teen found his voice, both figuratively and literally, eventually performing at one of Create Now’s community events. “Moments like that remind me why this work matters,” Johnson says.
Brandon’s hands-on approach has also fostered a culture of trust within the organization. Youth feel seen and heard, and that sense of belonging is often the first step in their transformation. “For a lot of these kids, no one has ever told them they’re capable of something great,” he says. “We get to be the ones who show them that they are.”
Looking ahead, Johnson remains focused on ensuring that Create Now’s programs reach even more kids across Los Angeles. He’s also exploring ways to bring new resources, like digital media and technology, into the fold to keep programs relevant and engaging.For Brandon Dean Johnson, it’s all about the youth. Every workshop, every mural painted, every story written—it’s all a step toward helping kids realize their worth and their potential. And as long as there are young people in need of a creative spark, Johnson will be there, helping them find it.
