Post by Kitara, pronounced KIT-TAH-rah Johnson

Yesterday was my rest day, and I usually protect those days. When Thurston County Superior Court Judge Sharonda D. Amamilo asked if we could get together, I almost said, “Can we do another day?” I’m so glad I didn’t. The funniest part is that I thought we were meeting for the first time. Years ago, we were both speakers at the same event I was one of the keynote speakers. Back then, I was moving so fast from one speaking engagement to the next that I met hundreds of people. I was building relationships, but life was moving at such a pace that I didn’t realize we had already met. Later, I was scrolling through old photos and found a picture of the two of us from nearly six years ago. I texted it to her and asked, “Is that you?” She replied, “Yes… and that was you.” We both laughed so hard. Our conversation reminded me how much leadership changes over time. When we’re younger, we often focus on the next meeting, the next project, the next opportunity. As we grow, relationships become less about networking and more about genuine connection. I left with an even deeper appreciation for Judge Amamilo’s work as a Thurston County Superior Court Judge, especially her dedication to juvenile justice and to young people navigating the intersection of behavioral health and the legal system. I couldn’t believe how much we had in common. As we sat and talked, the list just kept growing: * 🇺🇸 We both proudly served in the United States Army. * 🎖️ She retired as a Chief Warrant Officer, and my son is currently a Warrant Officer in the Army. * ⚖️ We both care deeply about juvenile justice and the balance between accountability and compassion. * 🤝 We believe people deserve both responsibility and the opportunity to change. * 🌍 We discovered our ancestry traces back to the same Igbo tribe in Nigeria. * ✝️ Our faith is an important part of who we are. * ❤️ We both have a heart for serving our communities and helping young people find a better path. The list just kept going. We laughed so hard that at one point I found myself thinking, “Where has this woman been all my life?” Sometimes you meet someone and realize you had crossed paths years ago, but this time you finally had the opportunity to slow down, really connect, and appreciate the person sitting across from you. Those are the conversations that stay with you. Sometimes the best meetings are the ones you almost don’t make. Stay tuned. I think some meaningful work around how to improve juvenile justice are just getting started.