Influential Woman · Government

Juandalynn Johnson Williams

Grants Management Director, Cook County Government

Chicago, IL

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Roosevelt University Degree Master's degree in Public Service Management from DePaul University Degree Certification in Public Leadership from Cornell University Cert Certification in Public Leadership from Cornell University

Her Story

About Juandalynn

I've been working in government close to 20 years, and it's been great. I've certainly had the opportunity to make a difference and impact a number of people. I initially started off working in nonprofits and then transitioned over into government because I felt like government is an opportunity to reach a very large audience and to have an even broader impact. Currently, I'm the Director of Grants Management for the Cook County Justice Advisory Council, where I manage a team of about 10 people. We invest in people and communities, particularly focusing on community safety and building programs that promote community safety in the Cook County area. My team is responsible for grant compliance and oversight, both programmatic and fiscal, for the grant making that we do. Previously, I worked at the City of Chicago where I was overseeing grants and grant-making for their HIV program, and I was able to reach so many people living with HIV and ensure that they have the care that they need. What I love most about my career is meeting a lot of people, being able to collaborate, building relationships, and ultimately improving communities and improving lives of people living in underserved communities.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Juandalynn

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would say just being consistent and having some ideal of what I want and what I want to accomplish and what I want to do. I think that's been key - focusing on what it is I'd like to accomplish. And again, being consistent in reaching others.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would say, certainly, just always go into it with a spirit to reach others and reach the community. I think you'll do well in having a heart and a passion to do work to serve the community, to want to serve the community and residents. I would think that would be key.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

In government, it's always very political. It's always a challenge navigating the politics, and so in navigating the various policies of an entity, it depends on what environment, what type of environment that you're in. That's certainly been the challenge in government - always navigating political environments.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values that I hold close are social change and social justice. That's why I started doing the work in the public sector and working in the public sector. I think social change and social justice are values that I hold close.

Keep Exploring