“Community leader helps families in need achieve their goals” – published in AzCentral

Community leader helps families in need achieve their goals

Albert Celoza

Special for The Republic

‘Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.’

This quote, attributed to Muhammad Ali, underscores the importance of giving back as both a responsibility and an expression of gratitude for life.

Community volunteerism is not just about helping others; it’s about fulfilling a duty and showing appreciation for the communities we are part of. Neighbors helping neighbors is a cornerstone of American society, where both formal and informal volunteerism thrive. In 2023, over 75.7 million Americans—about 29% of the adult population—formally volunteered through organizations.

One individual who embodies this spirit of volunteerism is Marcus Johnson, a dedicated community leader in Arizona. While working as a financial planner, Marcus devotes hundreds of hours to community service, engaging with organizations such as the Rotary Club, Boy Scouts of America, and interfaith and multi-religious groups. His contributions have earned him recognition through the prestigious 40 Under 40 Award, which honors young and distinguished leaders in Arizona.

Marcus is a sixth-generation Arizonan, with family roots dating back to the 1870s. His grandfather’s battle with cancer left his grandmother to raise the family alone, inspiring a family tradition of helping others live securely. Growing up in Maryvale, Marcus’s father instilled in him the value of ensuring others wouldn’t face similar hardships. Today, Marcus continues this legacy by assisting around 200 families in achieving their life goals and economic security.

His commitment to service was shaped by missionary work in Mexico and a service internship in Washington, D.C. These experiences taught him that no individual or religious group has a monopoly on goodness. Marcus emphasizes the importance of avoiding judgment, recognizing that people differ only by the accident of birthplace. He advocates for engaging with the world to foster inspiration and mutual understanding.

Marcus’s approach to community work is rooted in authenticity, focus, and optimism. He believes in respecting diverse beliefs and creeds, fostering teamwork, and building connections. This philosophy has led him to spearhead interfaith efforts within his church, bridging gaps between various religious communities across Arizona.

Despite the demands of his profession, Marcus remains committed to being a good neighbor, treating others with respect and earning their trust. He follows the principle of acting ‘as if’ you were the person you aspire to be, allowing your actions to shape your character. One of his guiding mantras is, ‘You don’t have to be a literal father to be a role model.’

Currently, Marcus chairs the Arizona Interfaith Movement’s efforts to honor community role models through the Golden Rule Celebration Awards, an annual event recognizing individuals and organizations that exemplify the principle of treating others as they would like to be treated. The lesson embodied in the Golden Rule may be found in various religious teachings, philosophies and secular ethics.

Albert Celoza is the executive director of the Arizona Interfaith Movement

.For more information about the Golden Rule Awards scheduled for the fall of 2025, visit azifm.org.