Global Linkages, founded in 1997 and based in the NJ-NYC metropolitan area, is a management consulting firm that specializes in developing partnerships with the African continent and the diaspora. As part of its services, Global Linkages provides “boutique travel experiences” that connect individuals, educational institutions, governments and businesses with unique and exciting explorations in Africa. This is primarily due to those extensive relationships created by the firm’s international development work. Global Linkages Principal Lorna K. Johnson, trained as a lawyer and urban planner, has been working in Africa for over 30 years and has made more than 300 trips to the continent. In 2017, Global Linkages expanded its journeys and development work to Cuba; and began traveling to Morocco in 2019, East Africa in 2022, and Brazil in 2025.
Lorna K. Johnson, Principal
Lorna K. Johnson is the Principal of Global Linkages, Inc., a management consulting firm, representing a cross-section of nonprofits, educational institutions and businesses in assisting with international exchanges, strategic planning, governance, fund development, volunteer development, grantsmanship, and program management and development initiatives. Global Linkages, Inc. has a particular focus on those organizations whose work includes international and global interest.
Through her consultancy, she served as the Director of the Africa and Caribbean Regions for United Way International from. In this position, she was responsible for the development and management of UWI’s portfolio in Africa as well as English-Speaking Caribbean serving current United Way members in these regions (22) as well as developing and working with emerging ones. Through her work with United Way International, she invigorated the organization’s commitment to serving these areas. She is responsible for the creation of United Way Ghana, United Way Uganda and the reformation of United Way Johannesburg (South Africa). Both Ghana and Uganda now serve as models in the United Way system for programmatic impact and indigenous philanthropy.
Learn More about Lorna K. Johnson
She has worked extensively in the West African country of Ghana since 1992 making over 50 trips, and began working in South Africa in 2002 making over 16 visits in five years. In 2003, she added to her portfolio, Swaziland and Nigeria and in 2004 added the East African countries of Uganda and Kenya. She has also worked in the Caribbean including the countries of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago as well as the US Virgin Islands. Both domestic and international businesses as well as non-profit organizations (NGO’s) have benefited from Global Linkages expertise and synergy. She has worked in the areas of development including micro-businesses, gender issues, youth, health, housing and HIV AIDS. In 2003, Global Linkages, Inc. provided services to the Southern Africa USAID HIV AIDS offices to create partnerships with international organizations, resulting in the development of the first Sister City relationship with Swaziland and Ft. Worth, Texas, one of the United States best sister cities programs. Micro-finance partnerships with local entrepreneurs were also established as an outreach of these efforts.
Ms. Johnson has been responsible for the coordination of the two official state trade missions sponsored by the State of New Jersey in 1993 and in 2003 to Africa. She has also led both non-profits and businesses including the National Congress for Community Economic Development, and the Executive Leadership of United Way of America under the Chairmanship of Dr. Johnetta B. Cole (2006) to South Africa and Ghana. In September 2007, Global Linkages. Inc. coordinated a community development study tour to Ghana for two leading community development corporations, the Development Corporation of Columbia Heights and the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, both of Washington, DC. Most recently, Global Linkages coordinated the partnership work of the Global Women Leadership Collaborative led by Newark City Council President, Mildred C. Crump to Ghana. With over 20 participants, over $150,000 worth of donations were made to ten (10) different partners in Ghana including the School for the Blind, the United Way Ghana, various schools and the City of Kumasi. All of these visits have resulted in continuous partnerships that Global Linkages. Inc. continue to assist and support.