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Meet the Founders

Dushon L. Johnson serves as the Executive Director of At The Table.  In this role, she provides strategic vision and executive direction to the management team and staff.   Her duties include comprehensive oversight of program implementation and the development of initiatives.  These initiatives are specifically designed to advance and enhance the health and overall wellness of women and girls within the community.

At The Table is a foundation dedicated to supporting cancer survivors, with a particular emphasis on African American women who have faced cancer. The organization also empowers young girls to pursue their aspirations confidently.

The mission of At The Table centers on inspiring and uplifting women and girls through a multifaceted approach that includes health and wellness programs that promote overall well-being, mentorship opportunities that offer guidance and support, and educational initiatives that facilitate access to financial resources.  Through these efforts, At The Table fosters an environment that nurtures self-assurance, independence, and enduring sisterhood among those they serve. 

 

Before co-founding At The Table, Dushon founded Step-By-Step Enterprises (SBS), a company focused on delivering comprehensive administrative support, event planning services, and assistance with non-profit business filings. Through SBS, Dushon effectively supports business owners in streamlining their operations to enhance efficiency and profitability.

 

Her extensive experience in both business management and community outreach enables her to mentor executive leaders in achieving their organizational missions and objectives. Furthermore, Strategic Branding Solutions (SBS) provides indispensable support for branding strategies and philanthropic resource development for both individual benefactors and non-profit institutions.

 

In summary, Dushon's work at SBS demonstrates her unwavering commitment to fostering success among diverse clients through tailored support and strategic guidance.

 

Dushon is honored to be a member of the Executive Team of Ohio Women Against Domestic Violence, where she serves as a vigorous advocate for victims, encouraging them to voice their experiences and empowering survivors to speak out. Her efforts particularly focus on supporting women of color in Central Ohio.

 

Dushon holds several esteemed certifications, including a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate, a Certified Sexual Assault Advocate through SARNCO/Ohio Health, and a STOP Officer Training Presenter. 

 

Through her work, Dushon aims to foster a supportive environment that not only addresses the challenges faced by these communities but also promotes healing and resilience among survivors.

 

Dushon retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation in 2016, concluding a distinguished 30-year career as a Program Administrator within the Division of Operations. She possesses extensive experience in administrative support and leadership within the public sector.

 

In 2007, Dushon earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Global Management and Communications from Wilberforce University. Her professional development is further complemented by an Associate Degree in Business Management and the successful completion of the Project Management Program offered by the State of Ohio's Department of Administrative Services.

 

Dushon's expertise has garnered her recognition through various media platforms. She has been featured on Vision Made Media Podcast, “Table Talk Tuesday with At The Table”, and radio talk shows such as The Diva Movement, Conversate with Pamela, and Caregivers with Sonya. Furthermore, she has participated in interviews conducted by Maria Durant from ABC 6 and Fox 28 News, where she utilized these opportunities to educate the community about cancer health issues and empower women who are cancer survivors. In acknowledgment of her contributions, Dushon received the Business of Excellence Award on behalf of Step-By-Step Enterprises, LLC, presented by LEC Concierge Consulting.

 

As a dedicated member of the New Covenant Believers Church for over 30 years, Dushon has actively participated in the Prosperity Army Ministry for two decades. Her commitment to community service extends to volunteering at organizations such as the Special Wish Foundation and St. Stephen's Community Center, where she collaborated with staff to grant wishes for children facing terminal or life-threatening illnesses. Additionally, Dushon contributed her time to assist Pre-K students with reading and creative learning activities.
 

Dushon is a proud mother of two adult children and a grandmother to nine grandchildren. The unwavering support and encouragement from her family significantly 

enrich her life and align with her overarching vision for fulfillment.

Deniece, a proud native of Columbus, Ohio, was raised by a single mother who emphasized the significance of challenging negative stereotypes and fostering a passion for serving others. Today, she stands as a resilient warrior with profound faith in God. As a 14-year breast cancer survivor currently undergoing treatment for Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Deniece exemplifies strength and perseverance. She also serves as a caregiver for her husband, Michael, a stroke survivor, and for her son who is receiving treatment for colon cancer.

 

Professionally, Deniece is an accomplished entrepreneur and hair loss practitioner at the Full Circle Restoration Center in Columbus.  Deniece has over 27 years of experience as a professional hair stylist.  She is an alumna of prestigious institutions such as Barbizon Modeling Agency, Nationwide Beauty Academy, and The Ohio State Barber College of Art and Design.  In addition to her hairstyling credentials, Deniece has pursued studies at Breakthrough Reconciliation Spiritual Counseling and Soul Winning of the Saints Ministries.

 

As a devoted wife to Michael Pittman for 35 years and the mother of three children along with one cherished pet, Deniece embodies resilience by making the most out of every situation. A survivor of both cancer and lupus, she remains steadfast in her commitment to uplifting and inspiring women to recognize their inherent worth and invest in their aspirations. Her dedication to community service is evident through her extensive volunteer work with various nonprofit organizations such as The Heather Pick Foundation, The United Way, Life Care Alliance, and Key To The Cure.

 

Deniece's ultimate aspiration is to ensure that every young girl understands her value and recognizes that she deserves investment in herself and her ambitions.

 

In recognition of Deniece's unwavering commitment to serving others, At The Table proudly offers a scholarship in her name. As Co-Founder of the Deniece Pittman Scholarship, she aims to provide educational funding and opportunities for girls affected by cancer so they can pursue their career goals and fulfill their dreams. Through this initiative, Deniece seeks to leave behind a legacy characterized by strength and empowerment. She firmly believes that if she can positively impact even one life, she has fulfilled her purpose.

Dushon L. Johnson

Dushon L. Johnson

Executive Director

Deniece Pittman

Deniece R. Pittman

Co-Founder and Founder of The Deniece Pittman Scholarship

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