“Bringing people together was something I was kind of born to do. It was a tradition I was born into,” Williams says. “To have this award named in my honor is both humbling and deeply meaningful.” 

A Flint native with family roots in the city dating back to 1919, Williams grew up on Genesee Street. She earned her degree in sociology from the University of Michigan, inspired by an early desire to improve the quality of life for those around her. That passion led her to a career in social work and community engagement, culminating in 25 years of service at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint (CFGF), where she now serves as Director of Equity & Community Engagement. 

Previously, Williams served as a Program Officer at CFGF, where she oversaw the Neighborhoods Small Grants Program and Youth Advisory Committees. 

Before joining CFGF, Williams worked with several Flint-based organizations, including the Urban League of Flint, the Genesee County Probate Court, a substance abuse prevention program, and Mott Children’s Health Center. 

She now leads CFGF's Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) efforts and is a trained racial healing practitioner. Her leadership also extends into the community as Minister of Music at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, a board member for the Richard Battle Foundation, and an advisory committee member for Flint LISC. 

Her legacy continues through her children and grandchildren, marking three generations of engagement with philanthropy and CFGF.