Johnny Waller Jr. is a nationally recognized advocate, entrepreneur, and systems-change leader based in Kansas City, Missouri. A living testament to the power of redemption and resilience, Johnny transformed his life from the grips of incarceration to become one of the region’s most influential voices for criminal justice reform, second chances, and community empowerment.

Once caught in a cycle of violence, gang activity, and incarceration—jailed over 30 times before the age of 18—Johnny emerged from prison determined to forge a new path. Despite facing more than 175 rejections for employment due to his record, he never gave up. That struggle fueled his mission to break down the systemic barriers that lock out justice-impacted individuals from opportunity.

Johnny previously served as the Program Manager of the Clear My Record Expungement Clinic at UMKC School of Law, where he led efforts to help individuals seal their criminal records and reclaim their futures. In 2024, he left UMKC to found Clear Tomorrow KC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expungement services and systemic change efforts aimed at dismantling the lasting consequences of criminal records.

He is the founder of several key initiatives including Kansas City’s Expungement Day, the Rockhurst University Alumni Group of Color, and the KC Municipal Court Coalition, each designed to expand access to justice, promote civic engagement, and build equitable systems within Kansas City. Johnny is also developing an innovative AI-powered reentry tool to assist formerly incarcerated individuals with navigating employment, housing, mental health, and educational resources.

As the CEO of The JLW Group LLC, JLW MediaTech and a strategic advisor for Uncornered, Johnny continues to champion economic mobility, restorative opportunities, and systemic equity for underserved communities.

Johnny’s leadership and advocacy have been recognized with several prestigious honors, including the Kansas City Everyday Hero Award and the Kansas City Equity Partner of the Year Award.

He holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Johnson County Community College, and both a Bachelor’s in Business Management and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership & Development from Rockhurst University, where he was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society for business excellence.

A sought-after speaker, strategist, and coalition builder, Johnny Waller Jr. is redefining leadership for a generation of changemakers—and building a future where justice, opportunity, and dignity are not exceptions, but expectations.