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David Williams

695

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am a Master of Public Administration candidate at American University in Washington DC. As an experienced Workforce and Human Development practitioner with a demonstrated history of working in non-profit & government administration industries, I have more than 10 years as a supervisory practitioner in using communication management, entrepreneurship, and workforce development strategies. I have proven ability to deliver excellent customer service by utilizing supervisory leadership skills, public speaking and written communication, multigenerational clients, and stakeholders. I am well-versed in utilizing process improvement strategies including analysis and evaluation to niche channels and effectively liaising with internal and external stakeholders. I have decisive decision making ability and proven project management skills for leading multiple and complex projects forward effectively to meet goals and produce high quality results.

Education

American University

Master's degree program
2021 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Public Administration

University of Maryland-College Park

Bachelor's degree program
2011 - 2015
  • Majors:
    • Communication, General
  • Minors:
    • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Saint John's College High School

High School
2007 - 2011
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Non-Profit Organization Management

    • Dream career goals:

    • Workforce Development Specialist

      DC Government
      2012 – 20219 years
    • Workforce Development Specialist

      FHI 360
      2021 – Present3 years

    Research

    • Communication, General

      University of Maryland College Park — Research Analyst
      2015 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Cornerstone New Life Ministries — Youth Education Ministry Teacher, Financial Reconciliation Associate, Usher
      2007 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Marie J. Smith Esq. Social Sciences Scholarship
    I am enrolled in American University’s Key Executive Leadership Master of Public Administration program in pursuit of advancing a career in Public Administration. Throughout my life I have found joy in being a change maker in the organizations I am involved with. My journey has led me to understand the next step in my professional career and to better prepare me for future entrepreneurial ventures is gaining a formal education in Public Administration. I am seeking to gain mastery of public & private sector management, administration, policy, and executive level leadership. These are to advance my professional skillset, entrepreneurial aspirations, and make tangible steps toward leveraging the knowledge of this program to innovate a foundation rooted in human development and holistic career advancing initiatives for inner city youth. I am seeking to build my network and absorb knowledge for self-development, career advancement, and promoting the cycle of returning education to the communities that assisted in raising me. I have been called to this career path because I have been involved in youth development for more than 15 years and have found human development to be an integral part of my career and personal interests. I find joy in serving populations through education and have been in leadership positions to execute a vision for those populations. I want to move into a position of leadership that allows me to be a thought leader on the decision and direction an organization will take in serving populations of interest. Gaining a mastery of Public Administration is the intersection for becoming an innovative servant-leader that embodies the purpose and drive necessary for achieving success. Attaining a Master of Public Administration will provide me the avenue to advance the innovation in my career trajectory and the communities of people I can impact. I desire to utilize the tools and education from the program to elevate into upper management positions in the governmental, private, and nonprofit sectors. Increasing my ability to lead and impact team success, I want to be equipped for thriving in interdepartmental leadership capacities. Being enabled with the tools and knowledge for developing this skillset will provide me the discernment for developing and executing a plan for success that will be ubiquitous across the private and public sector work spaces. In addition to widening the scope of my network, I desire to collaborate with peers and educators toward career connectivity and fostering relationships that reach into the future organizations we are seeking to shape. American University is a reputable organization that is regarded for the ability to develop leaders that impact the world in excellence, while maintaining integrity and inclusivity of educational goals. It is a valued experience to attain education in the nation’s capital, but being born and raised in the District of Columbia, I serve as an example to my community that one can achieve success in our own backyard. Public Administration will help me develop into a more effective changemaker fostering diverse community leadership that successfully addresses current and predicts emerging challenges locally, nationally, and internationally. Being located in the nation’s capital, I desire to utilize policy to bring an awareness of DC Statehood and lead organizational management in addressing the impending challenges that come from achieving it from an executive position. American University allows me the opportunity to further develop an introspective evaluation of the reformation within the District of Columbia. Attaining knowledge from educators and a university that promotes passionate learners to become bold leaders will extend the reach of my impact to the state level and better prepare me for innovation in leadership across the globe.
    Black Excellence Scholarship
    “Be a continual learner” is an attribute I embody to thrive in my servant leadership approach to support my communities. Being enrolled in American University’s Key Executive Leadership Master of Public Administration program has enhanced my leadership potential and public service to have a 360-degree perspective toward addressing complex human development needs and serving with intentionality. I have developed the wisdom toward applying adaptive leadership styles with learning concepts to real world shifts that occur in work, community service, and my personal life. Becoming comfortable being uncomfortable aids in sharpening my followership ability to support individual development and organizational growth. I am mastering being a leader in my role, encouraging leadership of others, and leading confidently when called. I recognized that a continuous learner mindset of developing myself to better support the development of others is essential. I genuinely believe the skills I learn can be utilized by going to the communities that supported me and aiding in the development of the next generation. A continuous learner approach has enabled me to create meaningful change to address current and emerging challenges in my spheres of influence. I have utilized assignments and discussions to solve problems at work with the advantage of a diverse network of class peers for collaboration. Engaging the leadership within the different communities has bolstered my abilities in building external relationships with private, government, and non-profit organizations to join as thought-partners and sponsors for direct service initiatives. I am better equipped to build rapport, solidify relationships, and have accelerated the timelines of workforce projects due to continuous learner concepts from the Key community. I am honored to align workforce development with education to evolve cross-organizational collaborations. These values have expanded my organizational reach in reducing barriers to workforce inequities and opportunities for developing the next generation of servant leaders. “Prosper with a purpose” is an area of improvement that I have been actively developing. I have used human development to build the essential workforce skills of thousands of youth and adults. As I reflect on past jobs and opportunities to support the development of others, I realized that developing an intentional purpose is the fuel needed to thrive in my spheres of influence. I desire to positively impact each individual I serve and work alongside through my life, but have grown to develop targeted objectives to see pragmatic results. Entering the MPA program, I was confident in my leadership, yet doubted my abilities. An insatiable wonder on if I was ‘good enough’ existed. This perspective shifted when asked, “What is your leadership challenge and the solution you wish to implement?” Key’s programming facilitated impactful development in my life through academic concepts, vulnerability in sharing my truth, and developing a targeted way to proper with a purpose. I have taken ownership of molding into a leader that can impact the world in excellence, while maintaining integrity and inclusivity. Through lectures and discussions, I have developed holistic strengths and created solutions for my leadership challenge: Be vulnerable for continuous improvement and hold on to courage during the process. Even if doubt exists, I will believe ‘I can’ no matter the situation. My leadership purpose is to serve as an example that intentionality developing oneself and understanding others enables the pathway to success. My vision for groups is to create an environment where holistic human development is achieved by empowering individuals, presenting challenges for growth, and being a resource as you mold into the best version of yourself. To hold myself accountable for successfully implementing my leadership purpose and vision for groups, I utilize my strength of being a continual learner. With the goal to “prosper with a purpose”, I enrolled in American University and utilize the Executive Coaching sessions to work on vulnerability as a way to better connect with the team members and individuals I serve. Executive coaching challenges me to think differently on life circumstances and understand how I can move forward in achieving the desired success. Completing the 360 Leadership Circle Profile Assessment and actively working with my coach to understand strengths as a way to support the desired growth in my areas of improvement is a plan of action I will continue. Enrolling and utilizing the learning from the MPA program has been a transformational experience that has sharpened my technical skills to serve as an effective leader and changemaker in society. I have been equipped with educational concepts and tools that are pragmatically utilized in my personal, professional, and service areas of life. Honing my leadership skills and perspective on how to continually develop these abilities has enabled me to maximize opportunities at the local, state, national, and international levels of the organizations I am affiliated. Through Key, I am harnessing coalescence, creating opportunities in workforce development, and evolving into a holistic servant leader.
    Ruthie Brown Scholarship
    I am working to address my current student loan debt by working in the non-profit/public service sector and by enrolling in school to maximize the income I can receive to pay back my student debt. I am enrolled in the American University’s Key Executive Leadership Master of Public Administration program in pursuit of advancing a career in Public Administration. Throughout my life I have found joy in being a change maker in the organizations I am involved with. My journey has led me to understand the next step in my professional career and to better prepare me for future servant leadership is gaining a formal higher education in Public Administration. Within the Key Executive Leadership MPA program, I am excited to gain mastery of public & private sector management, administration, policy, and executive level leadership. These are to advance my professional skillset, entrepreneurial aspirations, and make tangible steps toward leveraging the knowledge of this program to innovate a foundation rooted in human development and holistic career advancing initiatives for inner city youth. I am seeking to build my network and absorb knowledge at American University for self-development, career advancement, and promoting the cycle of returning education to the communities that assisted in raising me. I have been called to this career path because I have been involved in youth development for more than 15 years and have found human development to be an integral part of my career and personal interests. I find joy in serving populations through education and have been in leadership positions to execute a vision for those populations. I want to move into a position of leadership that allows me to be a thought leader on the decision and direction an organization will take in serving populations of interest. Gaining a mastery of Public Administration is the intersection for becoming an innovative servant-leader that embodies the purpose and drive necessary for achieving success. Key has enhanced my leadership potential and public service to have a 360-degree perspective toward addressing complex human development needs and serving with intentionality. I have developed the wisdom toward applying adaptive leadership styles with learning concepts to real world shifts that occur in work, community service, and my personal life. Becoming comfortable being uncomfortable aids in sharpening my followership ability to support individual development and organizational growth. I am mastering being a leader in my role, encouraging leadership of others, and leading confidently when called. The action learning style has enabled me to create meaningful change to address current and emerging challenges in my spheres of influence. I have utilized assignments and discussions to solve problems at work with the advantage of a diverse network of class peers for collaboration. Engaging the leadership within Key has bolstered my abilities in building external relationships with private, government, and non-profit organizations to join as thought-partners and employer sponsors for direct service initiatives. I am better equipped to build rapport, solidify relationships, and have accelerated the timelines of workforce projects due to the learning concepts from the Key community. I am honored to represent Key 55 as I align workforce development with education to evolve cross-organizational collaborations. Key’s values have expanded my organizational reach in reducing barriers to workforce inequities and opportunities for developing the next generation of servant leaders.
    Learner Higher Education Scholarship
    I am enrolled in the American University’s Key Executive Leadership Master of Public Administration program in pursuit of advancing a career in Public Administration. Throughout my life I have found joy in being a change maker in the organizations I am involved with. My journey has led me to understand the next step in my professional career and to better prepare me for future servant leadership is gaining a formal higher education in Public Administration. Within the Key Executive Leadership MPA program, I am excited to gain mastery of public & private sector management, administration, policy, and executive level leadership. These are to advance my professional skillset, entrepreneurial aspirations, and make tangible steps toward leveraging the knowledge of this program to innovate a foundation rooted in human development and holistic career advancing initiatives for inner city youth. I am seeking to build my network and absorb knowledge at American University for self-development, career advancement, and promoting the cycle of returning education to the communities that assisted in raising me. I have been called to this career path because I have been involved in youth development for more than 15 years and have found human development to be an integral part of my career and personal interests. I find joy in serving populations through education and have been in leadership positions to execute a vision for those populations. I want to move into a position of leadership that allows me to be a thought leader on the decision and direction an organization will take in serving populations of interest. Gaining a mastery of Public Administration is the intersection for becoming an innovative servant-leader that embodies the purpose and drive necessary for achieving success. Key has enhanced my leadership potential and public service to have a 360-degree perspective toward addressing complex human development needs and serving with intentionality. I have developed the wisdom toward applying adaptive leadership styles with learning concepts to real world shifts that occur in work, community service, and my personal life. Becoming comfortable being uncomfortable aids in sharpening my followership ability to support individual development and organizational growth. I am mastering being a leader in my role, encouraging leadership of others, and leading confidently when called. The action learning style has enabled me to create meaningful change to address current and emerging challenges in my spheres of influence. I have utilized assignments and discussions to solve problems at work with the advantage of a diverse network of class peers for collaboration. Engaging the leadership within Key has bolstered my abilities in building external relationships with private, government, and non-profit organizations to join as thought-partners and employer sponsors for direct service initiatives. I am better equipped to build rapport, solidify relationships, and have accelerated the timelines of workforce projects due to the learning concepts from the Key community. I am honored to represent Key 55 as I align workforce development with education to evolve cross-organizational collaborations. Key’s values have expanded my organizational reach in reducing barriers to workforce inequities and opportunities for developing the next generation of servant leaders. Access to higher education has already enabled me to become a changemaker, and I desire to use this knowledge for the benefit of the communities that aided in raising me. It takes a village is more than a quote; it is a way of life that I have been afforded the opportunity to impact and use higher education to inspire the upcoming generation.
    Mind, Body, & Soul Scholarship
    I am enrolled in the American University’s Key Executive Leadership Master of Public Administration program in pursuit of advancing a career in Public Administration. Throughout my life I have found joy in being a change maker in the organizations I am involved with. My journey has led me to understand the next step in my professional career and to better prepare me for future entrepreneurial ventures is gaining a formal education in Public Administration. Within the Key Executive Leadership MPA program, I am excited to gain mastery of public & private sector management, administration, policy, and executive level leadership. These are to advance my professional skillset, entrepreneurial aspirations, and make tangible steps toward leveraging the knowledge of this program to innovate a foundation rooted in human development and holistic career advancing initiatives for inner city youth. I am seeking to build my network and absorb knowledge at American University for self-development, career advancement, and promoting the cycle of returning education to the communities that assisted in raising me. I have been called to this career path because I have been involved in youth development for more than 15 years and have found human development to be an integral part of my career and personal interests. I find joy in serving populations through education and have been in leadership positions to execute a vision for those populations. I want to move into a position of leadership that allows me to be a thought leader on the decision and direction an organization will take in serving populations of interest. Gaining a mastery of Public Administration is the intersection for becoming an innovative servant-leader that embodies the purpose and drive necessary for achieving success. I maintain a healthy mind, body, and soul amidst the challenges I face in school through discipline, perseverance and support. Being a full-time employee and student creates the challenge of time management and I maximize my efforts by effectively utilizing my time to both strengthen and calm my overall well-being. I challenge myself with balanced workouts for relieving stress, strengthening my body, and have transitioned to the use of audio-books during these exercises to calm my mind. I intentionally select a motivational or self-help author that reads encouraging words of wisdom as I challenge myself physically to gain the mental encouragement to keep moving forward. I find exercising to be a form of serenity with bike rides through Washington DC, shooting a basketball on local courts for peace, and planning group workouts to stay engaging with others. These accountability partners help me to maintain consistency through healthy competitions, check-ins, and providing resources for improvement. Completing rehab on my shoulder through undergrad and into grad school presents a significant challenge of the mind, body, and soul. The visible weakness and pressures of work, school, and balancing life has presented one of my greatest challenges, while being one of my greatest successes. I have learned that holistic health and wellness requires maintaining an intentional approach to supporting and encouraging my mental health with the same effort I would to rehab my body. As a man of faith, I have found that balancing my beliefs with prayer and building a community with my church family is a step in the right direction for my overall wellbeing. Intentional approaches to healthy eating habits, body restorative activities such as massages and exercise, and dedicating myself to be a humble lifelong learner have been the most effective in maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul amidst the challenges to not just school, but life.
    Lifelong Learning Scholarship
    My leadership purpose is to serve as an example that intentionality developing oneself and understanding others enables the pathway to success. My vision for groups is to create an environment where holistic human development is achieved by empowering individuals, presenting challenges for growth, and being a resource as you mold into the best version of yourself. My leadership purpose and vision for groups cannot be achieved without being committed to being a HUMBLE lifelong learner, which inspired me to continue my education at American University’s Key Executive Leadership Master’s of Public Administration program. Key has been a transformational experience that has sharpened my technical skills to serve as an effective leader and changemaker in society. I have been equipped with educational concepts and tools that are pragmatically utilized in my personal, professional, and service areas of life. Honing my leadership skills and perspective on how to continually develop these abilities has enabled me to maximize opportunities at the local, state, national, and international levels of the organizations I am affiliated. Through Key, I am harnessing coalescence, creating opportunities in workforce development, and evolving into a holistic servant leader. Entering the program, I was confident in my leadership, yet doubted my abilities. An insatiable wonder on if I was ‘good enough’ existed. This perspective shifted when asked, “What is your leadership challenge and the solution you wish to implement?” Key’s programming facilitated impactful development in my life through academic concepts and vulnerability in sharing my truth. I have taken ownership of molding into a leader that can impact the world in excellence, while maintaining integrity and inclusivity. Through lectures and discussions, I have developed holistic strengths and created solutions for my leadership challenge: Be vulnerable for continuous improvement and hold on to courage during the process. Even if doubt exists, I will believe ‘I can’ no matter the situation. Key has enhanced my leadership potential and public service to have a 360-degree perspective toward addressing complex human development needs and serving with intentionality. I have developed the wisdom toward applying adaptive leadership styles with learning concepts to real world shifts that occur in work, community service, and my personal life. Becoming comfortable being uncomfortable aids in sharpening my followership ability to support individual development and organizational growth. I am mastering being a leader in my role, encouraging leadership of others, and leading confidently when called. The action learning style has enabled me to create meaningful change to address current and emerging challenges in my spheres of influence. I have utilized assignments and discussions to solve problems at work with the advantage of a diverse network of class peers for collaboration. Engaging the leadership within Key has bolstered my abilities in building external relationships with private, government, and non-profit organizations to join as thought-partners and employer sponsors for direct service initiatives. I am better equipped to build rapport, solidify relationships, and have accelerated the timelines of workforce projects due to the learning concepts from the Key community. I am honored to represent the benefits of being a continuous learner as I align workforce development with education to evolve cross-organizational collaborations. Key’s values have expanded my organizational reach in reducing barriers to workforce inequities and opportunities for developing the next generation of servant leaders.