Damon A. Williams, Ph.D.

Dr. Damon A. Williams is a Research Affiliate at the Wei LAB; as well as, a visionary and inspirational leader, and one of the nation’s recognized experts in strategic diversity leadership, youth development, corporate responsibility, and organizational change. He led a $250M social impact portfolio for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, representing the interests of nearly 4 million diverse youth and teens as Senior Vice President for Programs and Chief Education Officer. Additionally, Dr. Williams served as Associate Vice Chancellor and as the Inaugural Chief Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement Officer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Williams received his PhD from the University of Michigan Center for the Study of Higher and Post-Secondary Education (CSHPE) in Organizational Behavior and Management, and his Master and Bachelor degrees from Miami University in Educational Leadership and Sociology and Black World Studies, respectively. Dr. Williams has worked with more than 1,000 colleges and universities, Fortune 100 companies, foundations, and government agencies, as a keynote speaker, strategist, educator, and social impact leader. As the University of Michigan celebrates her 200-year anniversary, Dr. Williams was recognized with the Bicentennial Leadership Award, a one-time honor given to 20 trailblazing alumni, who exemplify the best of the academic and leadership values of the University’s 200,000 living alumni.