Esther Williamson
Esther Williamson is the Founder and Group Executive Director of The EW Group Global LLC, a multinational enterprise providing executive and diplomatic services, global investment strategy, and project management solutions. Her work centers on building structured platforms that connect people, capital, and opportunity across borders, supporting high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, diplomatic missions, and international institutions. With a professional foundation that includes corporate leadership at Verizon Business and international exposure through the World Economic Forum and the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Esther brings a disciplined, systems-driven approach to strategic governance and cross-border initiatives.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Pretoria, South Africa by diplomatic parents, Esther was immersed in international collaboration and multicultural perspectives from a young age. She began her career in 2014 as a project manager at The Job Factory in the DRC and subsequently worked as an administrative assistant and translator at an embassy. In November 2015, she founded Permanent House, a project management and recruitment company, before expanding her entrepreneurial vision into EW Group Global LLC, which now houses three divisions: EW Signature Diplomatic Travel, EW Project Studio, and Permanent House. Her early professional recognition includes being selected as one of only 25 Congolese fellows for the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) through the Mandela Washington Fellowship, where she trained at the University of Notre Dame and had the opportunity to meet President Barack Obama.
Esther’s professional philosophy emphasizes humility, integrity, faith, and family-first leadership. She is particularly focused on cross-border investment frameworks, institutional partnerships, diaspora capital coordination, and structured economic development platforms. Beyond her corporate work, she serves as COO for the NGO BYB/TCA, leveraging her expertise to strengthen communities and promote sustainable development. A member of the Global Shapers initiative of the World Economic Forum, Esther continues to build ecosystems that foster trust, strategic growth, and measurable impact across both emerging and established markets.
• Capstone Business Simulation
• Global development - Mandela Washington Fellowship - Young African Leaders Initiative 2016
• Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders 2016
• University of Notre Dame - Business and Entrepreneurship
• Mandela Washington Fellowship - Young African Leaders Initiative 2016
• Kinfor
• Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Alumni - Mandela Washington Fellowship Network
• Global Shapers - World Economic Forum
• BYA/TCA through Chamber of Commerce
• World Economic Forum
• Project Management, English Teaching & Translator Volunteer
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to humility, integrity, and faith. I’ve learned the importance of starting where you are, stepping out of your comfort zone, and recognizing the season you’re in. Failure has been a teacher, providing insight and growth, while staying true to my values and leading with integrity has guided every decision.
Growth for me isn’t just professional—it’s personal, spiritual, and social. I strive to uplift others, stay authentic, and remain grounded in what I believe. Above all, my family is my greatest motivation, and everything I do is for them.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my father. He encouraged me to return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, telling me there was a meaningful opportunity to make an impact. That advice shaped my decision to work in the country and pursue projects with national significance, guiding me toward work that truly matters.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to start where you are with humility and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. Embrace the season you’re in, learn from failure, and stay focused on your goals. Titles mean little without integrity—always uplift others, lead with professionalism, and remain true to your values. Growth should be holistic—professionally, personally, and spiritually—while staying authentic and rooted in what you believe.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is connecting international investors with projects that contribute to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s emergence, while strengthening cross‑border partnerships. At the same time, the field faces challenges such as navigating regulatory changes in the DRC, which have impacted outsourcing models, and managing organizational transitions in corporate roles. These dynamics require adaptability, strategic thinking, and a focus on building sustainable, long-term impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, faith, humility, and family. Integrity guides everything I do—without it, a title is just an empty label. I strive to uplift others, maintain professionalism, and lead with character. Faith is central to my journey, keeping me grounded through every challenge and opportunity. Humility allows me to recognize the season I’m in, start where I am, and embrace growth outside my comfort zone. Above all, family is my greatest motivation—I do all of this for them. In both my personal and professional life, I remain true to my roots, values, and beliefs while continually growing as a person and a leader.