About Kitara Johnson-Jones

Kitara Johnson-Jones seeks to empower communities by celebrating diversity, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering meaningful human connection.

Building Bridges Through Community

Kitara Johnson-Jones is the host of COME-UNITY Solutions magazine and podcast, a platform dedicated to fostering positive change, celebrating diversity, and amplifying underrepresented voices. Through storytelling, interviews, and resources, the project highlights cultural considerations and shares lessons learned from vibrant communities, all with the goal of creating healthier, more equitable spaces for people to live, work, and thrive.

A Personal Mission

Beyond her professional leadership, Kitara’s advocacy is deeply personal. In March, she lost her son, Gabriel, to a fentanyl overdose shortly after his 24th birthday. Gabriel had been working toward sobriety, but like so many others, he became another life lost to the fentanyl crisis. Honoring his legacy, Kitara works to unite community partners so every person in Spokane has the support they need in facing substance use.

Gabriel’s Challenge

Inspired by her son’s book and vision for meaningful connection, Kitara launched Gabriel’s Challenge, a 36-day community effort. The challenge asks the community to limit cellphone use to focus instead on building connections with family, friends, and neighbors. Its broader aim is to end preventable deaths from fentanyl and substance use among people in Spokane County.

Community-Care at the Center

Kitara continues her work of advancing equity and cultural healing. Whether it is through the COME-UNITY Solutions platform or her advocacy for Gabriel’s Challenge, her message is consistent: stronger, healthier communities are built when we come together, listen to one another, and create a space for everyone to thrive.

How You Can Help

Gabriel’s Challenge is powered by community members who believe in connection and prevention. You can take part by joining the challenge, sharing its message, or supporting local efforts to address substance and expand access to care. Together, Spokane can create a future where every person is valued for their potential, supported in their journey, and embraced as an essential part of community life.

Check out the August 2025 Come-Unity issue: No Wrong Door Summit

If you have any questions or want to find more information about Kitara's work, visit her website: kitarajohnson.com

Connect with Kitara on social media: LinkedIn | Facebook

Check our Past Spotlights

Find all past RSJ Spotlights here. If you or someone you know should have their advocacy work highlighted through the RSJ Spotlight series, please email equity@ywcaspokane.org or submit a form.