For Johnnetta Chester, making a difference doesn't necessarily mean receiving recognition. Sometimes, the most meaningful impact comes from helping others succeed without ever knowing how much you've contributed to their journey. A ten-year UNLV employee, Johnnetta brings her unique perspective to the role of Community Service and Work Study Coordinator in the Financial Aid Office.
Originally from Merced, California, Johnnetta moved to Las Vegas in 2016. A proud mother of three, she jokes that she's grateful all her children are now teenagers or older. At UNLV, she has found a way to turn her own college experience into an opportunity to support the next generation of students.
Work-study played an integral role in Johnnetta's education, and she is passionate about ensuring that UNLV students have similarly valuable experiences through their student employment opportunities. She genuinely loves her work, particularly the opportunity to make a difference in students' lives, even when those students may never realize the impact she has had.
Johnnetta's commitment to helping others succeed extends to her colleagues. When asked to identify an unsung hero at UNLV, she immediately points to Nora Carroll, Director of Financial Aid. "Nora is the ultimate team player," Johnnetta explains, praising her willingness to step in wherever she's needed and her genuine dedication to helping students and their families.
That same spirit of encouragement is reflected in the quality Johnnetta appreciates most about herself: her trust in other people's abilities. She believes in empowering others and wants the people around her to have the same confidence in themselves that she has in them. Her advice to young women beginning their careers at UNLV reflects that philosophy: "Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself. Your ideas matter, and never be afraid to try new career paths."
For Johnnetta, these words are grounded in a deeply personal perspective on life. Within six months, she experienced the devastating loss of both her brother, in November 2023, and her husband, in May 2024, to gun violence. These experiences profoundly shaped her outlook, reinforcing the importance of living life to the fullest and letting go of things that ultimately don't matter. An important source of strength and community for Johnnetta is her church, where she is involved in an impressive number of activities. She serves as a trustee, usher board secretary, travel coordinator for ministry outings, and member of the adult praise dance team, in addition to participating in several other ministries.
Her faith also provides an opportunity to recharge during a busy workday. Given an unexpected 30-minute break between meetings, she might spend the time reading scripture and meditating. Of course, if she's simply looking for a little entertainment, she's just as likely to catch half an episode of a true crime show! Recently, Johnnetta traveled to Nashville with her children to attend her church's general assembly. She describes it as a wonderful experience and particularly enjoyed Nashville's lush green scenery.
Whether supporting students, encouraging colleagues, serving her church, or spending time with her children, Johnnetta approaches life with a commitment to helping others recognize their potential. Her story is a reminder that some of our most meaningful contributions are the ones we make quietly, simply by believing in others and giving them the opportunity to succeed