Melisha Johnson is a passionate leader, advocate, and minister whose life story is a testament to the transformative power of grace, purpose, and faith. She is the Founder and Executive Director of The Compassionate Advocate, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to supporting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals through advocacy, education, and spiritual guidance. She is also the creator and host of the podcast Jesus is the Key to Reentry, a platform that uplifts stories of redemption and provides practical tools for reentry through a Christ-centered lens.
Despite being raised in a loving, Christian home, Melisha experienced early struggles with insecurity and rejection, which led her down a path of brokenness. A federal conviction resulted in a 12-year prison sentence—an experience that became the crucible for her spiritual transformation. It was in prison that Melisha rededicated her life to Christ, embracing His forgiveness and discovering a deep calling to serve others. She facilitated faith-based classes, led Bible studies, and became a spiritual mentor to fellow inmates, laying the foundation for her future ministry.
Today, Melisha lives in Georgia, where she continues to advocate for justice, healing, and reentry support. She serves as a Forensic Peer Mentor in a women's prison, using her lived experience to walk alongside others in their journeys toward healing and restoration. Through The Compassionate Advocate, she provides support to individuals impacted by incarceration and offers guidance to churches and organizations seeking to build effective prison ministries.
Her podcast, Jesus is the Key to Reentry, features powerful testimonials from formerly incarcerated individuals and thought-provoking conversations with leaders in justice reform, ministry, and mental health.
Melisha’s inspiring testimony and work have been featured in USA Today, Victorious Living Magazine, Hope Is Now Magazine, The 700 Club, and numerous podcasts and television programs. Her mission is clear: to proclaim the love of Jesus Christ, break cycles of incarceration, and equip communities to walk in compassion and purpose.
____________________________________________________________________________________