LaShawn Williams brings leadership, diversity skills to students

The Student Life & Leadership office welcomes a new member to the family who's responsible for coordinating leadership and diversity activities.

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.

"If there is one regret I have, it's not telling him how much he molded me to being who I am today," said Williams.

Williams left high school for bigger and better things like college. She currently has two bachelor's degrees, one in Psychology and the other in Sociology from Duke University. She also received two Masters, one in Social Work and the other in Public Administration.

Her experience with graduate school was more fulfilling than undergraduate. She had the opportunity to do an internship that involved her teaching and learning from different youth in a community center. It was an evening program to keep the youth off the streets. She was very touched by one of the students, Shanice. She helped Shanice prepare for their first annual performances which took a lot of effort because Shanice's shyness kept her from picking up on things as quickly as her friends. When Williams received a thank you note from Shanice, she saved it in her scrapbook.

Williams helped many students through out her academic years. Now, she gets to help SLCC students. She was asked to be the keynote speaker at the Club Conference that took place on October 14, 2005. Her topic was "The S is for S.U.P.E.R." Her lecture helped club members understand the community they work in, realize how their voice is their power, establishing traditions on campus and remembering to have fun in all they're doing.

Although Williams is building relationships with students, adjusting to Utah is not hard for her as she leaves behind her life in Pennsylvania. "I feel like there's not a major difference in coming to Utah from Pennsylvania," said Williams. "It's not as fast paced as I thought it would be."

Settling down in Utah, Williams spends most of her leisure time reading. She loves to learn new things. Some of her favorite books are the "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey, and, "Taste of Power" by Elaine Brown.

Williams will also be helping others learn new things as she teaches this spring at South City Campus. She will be teaching a course on African American culture, sponsored by the social work department.

"One of the exciting things about my position is the flexibility within its description. Too often we only think of leadership and diversity in stereotypical terms. My goal is to expand the definition and application of these words as guiding principles towards success for the students I work with, and myself as well," said Williams. "I love my job."