She is a spark that ignites change in communities, classrooms and corporations. She is cited among those “game changers” in Detroit that gets things done in the community through collaboration – using her oft-called-upon confident communication skills.
A defining moment came when, as a teenager, her family received hate mail and had crosses on her family’s front lawn saying “get out” of their home in New Jersey. Inspired by her father’s tireless role as courageous civil rights leader, leadership became an emphasis of Dr. Geneva’s [Williams] career.
Well-known for her celebrated career as a non-profit leader and trail-blazer, she became the first female executive vice president of the United Way in southeastern Michigan. Always up ready to roll up her sleeve for a challenge, she became the founding president of City Connect, Detroit’s first public/private philanthropic organization to secure national funding for community problems. Dr. Geneva blazed trails also as the first female president and chief executive officer of United Community Services and has also launched many organizations that help people and make a difference for others.
Encouraged and inspired by Dr.Geneva. Love her initial words that the “world will get no better if we just let it be” taken from Teddy Pendergrass’s song. If all of us “ordinary persons” would take small action steps what a difference we could make in our schools and community.
Thank you Linda~ xoxoxo