Samantha Johnson, nominated by Brooke LeMonds
I have had the honor of calling Samantha a friend and coworker at Prestonsburg Tourism for over 5 years. She always has the most amazing words of encouragement for every individual that happens to cross her path. She is an advocate for all of Eastern KY rather it is organizing flood relief, local events, assisting with Artist Collaborative Theater, applying for grants (and receiving them) for beautification projects. She seems to be in a million places at any given moment but at the same time always present in every individual moment. I can’t think of anyone who embodies being a Lady Amongst the Mountains more than Samantha. She is an amazing mother, friend, and advocate for all of our Eastern KY Appalachian Region.
She is the epitome of a strong Appalachian woman, and she comes from a long line of strong Appalachian women in her family. She loves to celebrate the beautiful history and soul of our region, while always looking for ways to propel us (authentically) into the future. Her daily job at Prestonsburg Tourism, allows her the platform to showcase and celebrate this remarkable region that has been overlooked and underestimated for far too long. In early 2021, she received a grant that allowed her the opportunity to bring "The Vagina Monologues" to the Gearheart Auditorium in Prestonsburg, where she directed the cast of strong, independent Appalachian women that call Eastern Kentucky home. The proceeds from that show were donated to a local women's shelter. I was fortunate enough to be cast in the play, and it was one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences of my lifetime. She is a fantastic mother, wife, friend, motivator, supporter of the arts, animal loving, coffee loving, all around just amazing person. She has done so much for this area, and it would take me days to list them all. Most of all she has one of the most beautiful souls that I have ever met and the world would be a much better place with more Samantha Johnson’s.
