Growing up in Clinton, South Carolina, Luvenia and her family were not well off. Yet Luvenia's mother made sure that none of her children felt underprivileged.

Luvenia graduated proudly from Clinton High School and then earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. Luvenia then went on to graduate from Clemson University with her Master of Education in Personnel Service with an emphasis in counseling. In additional, she has obtained an impressive list of credentials including Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPCS), Master Addictions Counselor (MAC), Certified Addictions Counselor II (CAC II), Certified Group Leader for ADSAP, Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS) and National Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

For the past 30 years, Luvenia has used her skills at the Laurens County Commission of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, otherwise known as the GateWay Counseling Center. She has helped in many different facets of the Center, but for the past twenty years, Luvenia has been the Treatment Director/Clinical Supervisor. Luvenia also assists the citizens of Laurens County, providing Alcohol and other Drug treatment services to those in need.

Luvenia is highly regarded as a true professional who knows her job inside and out. She has been an inspiration to those around her both personally and professionally, and is known for bringing out the highest potential in every staff member at the agency.

Luvenia herself is no slouch, and has served on many committees and boards for the county and state. In addition she holds memberships in several groups and organizations such as the South Carolina Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, and American Mental Health Counselors Association.

Luvenia has been a faithful and long standing member of the St. Vaughnville Baptist Church in Chappells, SC.

For her continual willingness to help others overcome a life of substance addiction and abuse, 107.3 JAMZ is proud to salute Luvenia Johnson as a 2008 Upstate Black History Maker.