LaShawn Williams brings leadership, diversity skills to students
Demontray Lockhart
Issue date: 12/7/05 Section: News
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LaShawn Williams, Coordinator for Leadership & Diversity, came into the office Aug. 9, 2005. She is new to student affairs and has hopes of building a relationship between diverse leaders on campus.
"My responsibilities center around helping students develop leadership skills and promoting diversity perspectives among them," said Williams.
Williams' goal is to help students acknowledge their passions and build up their areas of improvement so that they can become effective leaders not only in school, but also in the real world. She has had an impact on many students' minds in and out of the office throughout her time being here.
"She helped me to strengthen my voice by helping me to voice my thoughts much clearly and as a result I have touched many of my friends and family members in a positive way," said Ruth Okwabi, Student Body Senator.
It may not be a surprise that she is influencing students, as she also has been influenced throughout her life growing up in a military household.
"I changed schools every year from second grade to tenth and houses almost as frequently. It put me in contact with many people who were different from me. I learned a lot," said Williams.
She was born in Saint Louis, Missouri. Her immediate family consists of mom; Dianne Jones, step father; James Jones, and her younger siblings; three sisters and a brother. Her family has been very inspirational to her success. Her mom always told her that she could do whatever she put her mind to. Growing up, Williams had to lead by example since she was the oldest.
Williams developed and learned many leadership skills from her family (both parents are retired military). However, she was challenged as a leader in high school when she joined the AFJROTC, led by Chief Master Sergeant, Cecil McLaurin. He appointed her as the leader of the class on the first day. She was very nervous leading them because of bullying and other negative experiences from some of her peers in the class.
"That was my first leadership experience," said Williams.
Williams feels like McLaurin has made a big difference in her life and she wishes she had the opportunity to go back and thank him, but he passed away before she could.
