Biography
Mordia Johnson is a PhD student and Teaching Assistant pursuing her doctoral degree in Public Affairs at Florida International University, where she is advised by Dr. Emel Ganapati. Her research focuses on disaster mitigation, with particular emphasis on the impacts of large-scale mitigation projects on marginalized and disadvantaged communities.
Mordia graduated summa cum laude from Florida Memorial University with a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Government. She later earned a Master of Public Administration from Florida International University, where she also completed a Certificate in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Her academic training provides a foundation in public law, governance, and emergency management, which informs her current doctoral research.
Prior to her doctoral studies, Mordia gained professional experience in local government and community-based organizations. She served as a Case Manager/LYNX Navigator with the Urban League of Broward County, where she managed client caseloads and connected individuals with workforce development and certification opportunities. She also completed an internship with the City of Cooper City, contributing to municipal operations, interdepartmental coordination, and civic engagement initiatives.
Mordia’s academic background is complemented by recognition for both academic excellence and leadership, including honors as a student-athlete, induction into Pi Alpha Alpha, and leadership roles in graduate student governance at FIU, where she served as Graduate Senator and Vice Chair of the Graduate and Professional Student Committee.