2023 Making a Difference Award winner Jonna C. Naegele
Native Tennessean, Jonna Naegele grew up in the small town of Lebanon TN were she began her interest in Theater at Middle Tennessee State University. She has a fighting Passion for the arts and had the determination to continue to use her talents to Mentor Young People Nationwide by being able to relate and motivate them to go for their Dreams and find their Purpose. Fourteen years later as a Professional Coach, Jonna became one of the premier acting coaches in East America and Africa. Jonna has become a profound influence in the acting industry for Film, Television and Theater.
Over the years, Coach Jonna has focused on building her US and International network with Directors, Producers, Casting and Representation, leading to long term relationships and a formed alliance she has been successful in cultivating. In addition to helping her students book major projects, she has been the public figure of many Non-Profit Organizations, giving back tremendously in communities, being awarded “Philanthropist of the Year” many years in a row. Coach Jonna’s continuous dedication to gaining knowledge & new skill-sets for her students led her to helping them reveal their best abilities in their existing artistry. Her education derives from notable Art Institutes include Alliance Theater of the Woodruff, Clayton State University and Arizona State University where she is currently studying to obtain a doctorate in Epistemology.
Additionally, Coach Jonna obtained Global Certification through the International Coach Federation and the Certified Coaching Alliance as a Life Coach and Certification as a Brain Health Professional through Amen University. She is thoroughly an infused Coach of knowledge and practicality. Helping her students keep it simple while being powerful in any area of the professional industry. Coach Jonna’s students include a diverse list of Working Actors to Beginners. She coaches Celebrity Actors to “not yet named talent” with the passion to helping every individual equally obtain their craft. Coach Jonna is Accredited by Ivana Chubbuck and currently studies weekly under World Renowned Ivana Chubbuck, author of “The Power of the Actor” and creator of The Chubbuck Technique. (The technique of Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Charliez Theron, Jessica Alba & many more). Coach Jonna has mastered the technique for all ages, a one of a kind approved skill. She coaches in person classes at her Atlanta Studios (Artistic Heights Academy and Coached By Jonna Inc.) and worldwide to many students via ZOOM, being reviewed, noted & raved about the breakthrough sessions both in person or via ZOOM by her students/clients from all over. She is a proud member of many non- profit organizations often being the guest Coach, Host or Speaker for the event. Accomplishments of Coach Jonna Johnson include the 1st African American to be titled Tennessee’s Top Model (won in 2008), 1st Host of Black Women in Jazz & Fine Arts (now a nationally recognized day in March) and a founding Instructor of Osiri University, teaching the Film Masters Degree Program. Coach Jonna Naegele quotes often to her students “ The most valuable tip I can give you in becoming successful is, simply Show up, and then Show out…Why not?”