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The award from Crain's Cleveland Business celebrates Northeast Ohio women who are positively impacting the communities around them through their work.
Baldwin Wallace University alumna Vickie Eaton Johnson '89 has been named one of Crain's Cleveland Business' 2025 Women of Influence for her dedication and achievements as a Northeast Ohio business leader.
Selected by the editorial staff of Crain's Cleveland Business, the award honors women who are "trailblazers, mentors and changemakers" who impact the Northeast Ohio region for the better, according to Crain's.
Johnson, who describes herself as a "lifelong Clevelander," currently serves as the executive vice president and chief community officer for the Cleveland Clinic, where she is motivated in her mission to uplift communities in decision-making processes.
"I like to think that this award means the business community is recognizing that businesses do better when people and communities are better," Johnson said. "I am grateful for the recognition and that the work I lead is valued."
Led to Baldwin Wallace by her Collinwood High School coach and mentor, Johnson majored in political science before getting her master's degree in public administration at Cleveland State. Since then, she has made community work the focus of her career.
"My career has not been about profits or business growth. My work and life's mission are about serving people and marginalized communities and leveraging resources to help them grow and prosper," Johnson said.
Johnson first joined the Cleveland Clinic in 2014 as their senior director of government and community relations.
From that point on, she has been involved in a number of community efforts with the Clinic, including developing a five-year community health strategic plan, coordinating community conversations with the Clinic's CEO in neighborhoods and creating the Louis Stokes Scholar Program for students interested in the non-medical side of healthcare.
"And I'm only giving back. Someone mentored me. To be able to use the resources of a large institution to do something like that is powerful," Johnson told Fox 8 News in 2021.
Johnson attributed her personal growth to the welcoming nature of the BW community, saying it "contributed to who I am today."
"My professors knew my face and name, which made me feel seen and heard … When I made the dean's list, a handwritten note with a smile was sent to me and, I am sure, all students," Johnson said. "This is the BW I know and trust that thousands have had the same experience."
One BW political science professor of hers noticed there was something special about Johnson and encouraged her to apply for the Washington Semester at American University in D.C., where only 50 students were selected to attend across the U.S.
"I gave up student teaching to attend the Washington Semester, which put me on the path for the career and impact I have on my community every day. BW is a special place," Johnson said.
Currently, Johnson is completing a doctorate in urban studies and public affairs at Cleveland State.
Also in her interview with Fox 8 News, Johnson said she'd like to study how an anchor institution like the Cleveland Clinic can address broader urban issues within the community.
"How do we help people move from poverty … how can we help them acquire assets. How can we help people get ahead. The will is there. When that's done, I'll feel like my career is complete, and I'll go off to university and teach our next generation of public administrators and community development folks how to do this work," Johnson said.
