Influential Woman · Nonprofit, Property Management, Affordable Housing
Betsy Williams
Operations Director, Take Up The Cause
Spokane, WA 99224
Her Story
About Betsy
Betsy Williams is an experienced operations and community housing leader dedicated to advancing affordable housing, community empowerment, and economic stability for underserved populations. She currently serves as Operations Director for Take Up The Cause, a BIPOC-led nonprofit organization focused on providing service-enriched affordable housing and supportive resources to disinvested communities in Spokane, Washington. In her role, Williams oversees operational systems, administrative processes, property management coordination, and community resource development to ensure the organization effectively serves low-to-moderate income individuals and families.
With more than 18 years of experience in property management and affordable housing, Williams has developed deep expertise in HUD housing operations, team leadership, and community-focused program administration. Her career began by managing a family housing project, where she gained firsthand experience supporting residents facing complex housing and life challenges. Since then, she has built a reputation for combining operational excellence with compassionate service, recognizing that housing work directly impacts the lives, stability, and well-being of the people and communities served.
Williams is also committed to leadership development, education, and faith-based service. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree in Business Administration and Management at United Theological Seminary and holds a Master of Arts in Education from Ashford University. An Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she brings a servant-leadership approach to her work and advocacy. Through initiatives such as homeownership education programs, Williams has helped families transition from homelessness to renting and from renting to homeownership, contributing to long-term community stability and intergenerational well-being.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Betsy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to discovering early in my career that property management is more than just professional work - it's heartfelt work for the people. When I started managing HUD projects over 18 years ago, I found out that this work really deals with people's lives, and that became my directive for loving what I do. My passion comes from knowing that housing is critical in today's world and that I'm helping those who cannot help themselves. That's my greatest thing - to continue to do that. The work is so rewarding because we're providing resources and helping people, and when I see families we've helped transition from homelessness to home ownership, like the 30 families we've successfully brought to buy homes, it's amazing and fulfilling. My life is also fulfilling in the realm of ministry as an ordained elder, and I believe my civic duty and obligation is to support those in the community. I've learned that being a leader is about we, not I - it's not about me, it's about serving others and empowering people.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can have a successful career and be able to make a difference in the lives of others and share God's love as well
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You can have a successful career in a field that you love that brigs you joy and purpose by helping the les fortunate
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge right now is that housing is critical in today's world, and the people we meet who need help are dealing with hardships of resources. We're working to bring awareness by giving them advocacy and eliminating barriers to provide basic safety measures for people, especially today. My personal challenge is balancing everything - I have a family who's homeless sitting outside my office asking for my help, and these are my hard days. I'm trying to help everyone that needs me while also working full-time and going to school to complete my doctorate. But the opportunity is that we're successfully making a difference - we've brought 30 families to buy homes through our home ownership program, and we're continuing to help low-to-moderate income families and BIPOC communities transition from homelessness to renting to home ownership.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is helping those who cannot help themselves - that's my greatest thing and what I continue to do. In my work, I believe it's my civic duty and obligation to support those in the community, and I've learned that sometimes it's not about I, it's about we. Being a leader is about we, not I. My work brings my heart because I'm serving and helping people and providing resources they need. In my personal life, my family is precious to me - I love my grandbabies, my husband, and my family. When you find everything around family, that's where I go. That's my fresh air and my lifeline. I love my babies and family time, and I can't wait for this weekend because it's family time. I also love singing, and my faith is central to everything - I'm an ordained elder in the AME Church, and my life is fulfilling in that realm too.
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