We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?

“Education must not simply teach work – it must teach Life.” – W.E.B. Du Bois

Du Bois recognized the importance of nurturing and protecting the most exceptional and talented individuals within the African American community, acknowledging their potential to lead and influence positive change.

At Mathtopian Preparation we seek out the most skilled and the most driven students; we help these students to compete academically, strive toward their goals, and contribute to the advancement of our community.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I transitioned from educator to entrepreneur, armed with remarkable determination and resilience. Raised by a single mother, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey with limited capital, utilizing all of my savings to secure a commercial lease and establish my tutoring and test preparation company. Through years of guiding students in competitive environments, I observed a concerning trend within the African American community where promising students often faced unrealized potential. I committed to addressing this issue.   Mathtopian Preparation thus identifies and nurtures these talented scholars, providing them with focused attention and resources. We also establish a peer network – our students engage and feed off of each other’s energy.  The result of this targeted approach has been significant successful outcomes.

In the spirit of W.E.B. Du Bois and his concept of the Talented Tenth, Mathtopian Preparation is dedicated to empowering high-achieving African American students and positioning them to compete. High-stakes exams like the SAT and the ACT can greatly impact college admissions.  It is essential for African American students to excel in these esams in order to stand our amoung their (often better resourced) peers.   We focus on practical and effective preparation including study schedules, practice exams and targeted strategies.  Additionally we stress the importance of setting and ambitious score goals and we help our students to achieve them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta is rich with African American history, art, culture and excellence. Some of my favorite places in Atlanta include:

Spelman College Museum of Fine Art actively collects and showcases art by Black women, contributing to the preservation and celebration of Black artistic contributions. It serves as an integral part of Atlanta’s art community, highlighting the creativity and talent of Black women artists.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home is a significant landmark associated with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and work. Visitors can explore the rooms where King lived and learn about his legacy, making it an enriching experience for both tourists and locals.

National Center For Civil and Human Rights offers a unique experience connecting Civil Rights to Human Rights. Visitors can walk through the Civil Rights Struggle with interactive displays and delve into the current and past struggles for human rights. It provides a profound understanding of the intersection between civil rights and human rights movements.

The Wren’s Nest is a museum and cultural center that preserves storytelling traditions, particularly focusing on the Brer Rabbit stories by Joel Chandler Harris. This site celebrates self-expression and oral folklore traditions, offering visitors a glimpse into African American storytelling heritage.

Herndon Home is the historical house built by Atlanta’s first black millionaire, Alonzo Herndon. It showcases the journey from slavery to entrepreneurship and success. It serves as a testament to resilience and achievement within the Black community, highlighting the story of overcoming adversity to achieve the American Dream.

The Municipal Market in Atlanta, also known as the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, is a historic market located in the Sweet Auburn Historic District and was established in 1918. Today, it continues to be a significant part of Atlanta’s history and culture, housing over 30 local businesses that offer a variety of products and cuisines, reflecting the city’s rich cultural diversity.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Spelman College is a beacon of excellence and empowerment and stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. Spelman’s legacy is one of empowering women of African descent to lead with courage, intellect, and compassion. Through its unwavering commitment to academic rigor, social justice, and community engagement, Spelman nurtures not just scholars but also leaders who shape the world with their wisdom and grace.

Website: www.mathtopianprep.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mathtopianprep/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathtopianpreparation/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.