Demetra L. Williams, Ed.D
Dr. Demetra L. Williams is a higher education leader, educational consultant, author, and servant leader whose career has been shaped by a lifelong passion for supporting students beyond the classroom. From an early age, she was drawn to education, but her path ultimately led her toward student affairs and leadership development rather than traditional classroom teaching. Over the course of nearly fifteen years in education and higher education, Dr. Williams has built a reputation for being student-centered, advocacy-minded, and deeply committed to creating environments where students feel supported, engaged, and empowered to succeed. Based in Laurel, Maryland, she currently serves as President and Founder of Strategic Planning Consulting DBA New Age Virtual Academy while also working as an Early College Program Coordinator at Montgomery College’s Bioscience Education Center.
Throughout her career, Dr. Williams has worked with students from vastly different backgrounds and circumstances, experiences that have shaped her compassionate and solution-oriented leadership style. Early in her career with Job Corps, she counseled students facing severe personal and family challenges, including abuse, homelessness, and instability. Those experiences strengthened her commitment to advocacy and equitable access, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations. She later transitioned into community college and dual-enrollment leadership roles, including serving as Interim Director of Student Life at Montgomery College and holding leadership positions with organizations such as CAPACRAO and The Children’s Guild. Her work consistently centers on belonging, leadership development, and helping students navigate both academic and personal barriers to success.
In addition to her higher education leadership, Dr. Williams is an accomplished consultant who specializes in strategic planning, workforce development, resume writing, LinkedIn coaching, mock interviewing, and educational consulting. She also serves as a parent advocate for families navigating IEP and special education processes, a role inspired by her experiences as the mother of a daughter with autism. A first-generation college graduate and the first in her family to earn a doctoral degree, Dr. Williams holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from Liberty University and remains committed to helping others overcome obstacles through education, advocacy, and opportunity. Her guiding philosophy is rooted in resilience and empowerment: never allow circumstances to define your future, and never let anyone tell you what you cannot achieve.
• Title IX Advisor
• Maryland Judiciary Mediation and Conflict Resolution Certified Mediator
• Liberty University
Doctor of Education - EdD, Higher Education/Higher Education Administration
• Liberty University
Educational Specialist Degree - Higher Education Administration - Student Affairs
• Liberty University
Master’s Degree, Education Student Services
• Liberty University
Bachelor's Degree, Interdisciplinary Studies/Special Education/Human Services
• Virginia State University
Interdisciplinary Studies/Education
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated
• CAPACRAO (Chesapeake and Potomac Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers)
• Chair of Programming Committee
• Greater DC Black Chamber of Commerce
• National Council of Negro Women
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say that I'm student-centered and advocacy-minded. I like to push for belonging and engagement and equitable access all the time. I would say I'm a strategic thinker and definitely a trailblazer, and that part gets me hated initially until they see the outcome. I'm big on being data-driven. I love getting input through surveys and from stakeholders, because that type of information helps to drive what you want to accomplish. I have a very solution-oriented mentality, where even if I don't have the solution at that moment, I will find it.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never let anyone tell you what you cannot achieve. Do not allow your circumstances to define your future or limit your goals. Stay confident in your abilities, continue learning, and trust that your voice, perspective, and leadership have value.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is creating and sustaining programs that effectively support nontraditional and working students, including alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar education. Another challenge is maintaining program continuity during periods of organizational change and layoffs. At the same time, there is a significant opportunity to continue advancing equitable access and fostering belonging for all students, particularly by strengthening support systems for students with disabilities and their families.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life are student-centeredness, advocacy, belonging, engagement, and equitable access. I also place a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, because I believe meaningful progress comes from combining compassion with informed, strategic action.
Locations
Strategic Planning Consulting DBA New Age Virtual Academy
Laurel, MD 20708