I’m Willa Johnson, and I’m a filmmaker from Letcher County, Kentucky.

Through my lens in Worthy Ground, I explore how communities in Central Appalachia are recovering from disaster, rebuilding resilience, and reclaiming the value of the ground beneath their feet.

My connection to this story runs deep. At nine years old, I watched as a coal silt pond swept away my backyard, an early lesson in what it means when the place you trust to be home changes in an instant.

Years later, I lost my home and belongings in the 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods. I’ve learned how quickly the world seems to move on after a disaster, even while people are still picking up the pieces, reassembling their worlds bit by bit.

Born and raised in Letcher County, Kentucky, I have a deep passion for lifting up the stories of people in the region who work to recover, rebuild, and thrive. My work focuses on amplifying the work of community-led recovery, bridging local and national narratives, and fostering trust between impacted communities and recovery stakeholders.

I’ve spent nearly two decades of experience as a communications professional and community organizer throughout Central Appalachia. My long-standing history in community and resilience includes leading youth programs, mutual aid efforts, and regional collaborations focused on long-term recovery and resilience. I previously served as the Appalachian Helene Response Fund Manager with the Appalachian Funders Network, supporting recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.

I am a mother to a kind and active son and can often be found at home reading, crafting, or dreaming up my next creative project.