Anna 'AJ' Johannes is the newest co-founder of Culxtured, a media collective dedicated to changing the narrative around Para sport—built by athletes, for athletes—and the founder of On the One Hand, a consultancy rooted in the belief that inclusion is built in, not added on.

Adopted from Kyrgyzstan and born without her left hand and forearm, AJ grew up with a passion for swimming and an early instinct to speak up about inequalities. That calling took her all the way to the Paralympic podium, where she earned a bronze medal for Team USA at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and she remains a current American Record Holder in the 50m, 100m, and 200m Breaststroke.

After retiring from competitive sport, AJ built a career spanning marketing, communications, and inclusive design strategy. She became known for transforming workplace culture—founding and leading ERGs, shaping global disability campaigns, and advancing inclusive design on a national level.

AJ blends sport, strategy, design, and lived experience to help organizations embed equity into how they lead, create, and connect. She remains deeply committed to community impact through volunteer coaching, board leadership with organizations such as the Women's Sports Foundation and ADCOLOR, and relentless advocacy.