Kisha Williams

My greatest foundation begins with my husband and daughters they are my heart, my purpose, and the reason I strive to grow every single day. Surrounding that foundation, I am incredibly grateful to my mother and my sister, who serve as my accountability partners in life.

My mother is truly the solid ground I stand on her strength, wisdom, and unwavering support have shaped who I am. And then there’s my sister, who is 11 years younger than me, yet such a powerful force in my life. What I admire most about her is her drive. She is a Community Director for one of the top hotels here in Orlando and hearing her say that she’s there because of me is both humbling and inspiring.

That kind of support system is rooted in love, accountability, and encouragement is my strength. It is what drives me forward, knowing I have people who celebrate my wins, stand by me through losses, and lift me up no matter what. In many ways, my sister is my crutch but in the most empowering sense because she motivates me just as much as I hope I motivate her. Her involvement with various community organizations only adds to that inspiration.

At my core, I stand on a solid foundation of family, support, and faith. If you are faith-based, one of my favorite scriptures that guides me daily is Proverbs 3:5–6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

That verse reminds me to stay grounded, to trust beyond what I can see, and to continue walking forward with purpose, knowing that I am supported, guided, and never alone.

I credit much of my growth to three remarkable women who have intentionally invested in my life.

First is my sister, Sheena Jackson. She is energy to the third power someone whose presence alone fills a room. She doesn’t even have to speak; when she walks in, you know she’s there. What I admire most about her is her constant pursuit of growth, she is always asking herself how she can be better. She is deeply passionate about investing in our youth and advocating for education, especially at a time when many students are hesitant to continue their academic journeys. Her passion is contagious. In fact, she is the major reason I returned to school we made a sibling pact to complete our degrees together, and that accountability changed my path.

Another powerful influence in my life is Sharon Seay, whom I met while living in Atlanta. At the time, she was the Executive Director for the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, with a strong background in hospitality. Sharon is extraordinary in the world of event planning she has led some of the largest conferences with grace and precision. But what I admire most is her heart for people. Every woman she encounters, she looks for a way to elevate. Even though we don’t work together regularly anymore, we maintain our connection intentionally. At least once a year, whether I’m in Atlanta or she’s in Orlando, we make time to reconnect and ask, “Who can we help? How can we uplift someone through our network?” That spirit of collaboration and service continues to inspire me.

Lastly, my current leader whom I intentionally call a leader, not just a manager is Tawana Allen, Chief of Customer Experience at the airport. What sets her apart is her commitment to developing people. In a department of more than 50 individuals, she ensures that everyone has access to training and opportunities for growth. While many leaders oversee from a distance, Tawana is present. She invests time in one-on-one conversations, listens with intention, and creates space for development even when her own schedule is demanding. What truly stands out is that even when she has poured out, she still finds something to give to others. That level of leadership has deeply impacted on how I view growth, service, and influence.

Each of these women has shaped me in a different way through accountability, empowerment, and intentional leadership and I am better because of their investment in me.

I would encourage young women to move with purpose always choosing positivity and make things happen every single day. Anything that doesn’t add value or brings light into your life, don’t let it take root or take hold of you.

Every interaction matter, because every moment has the potential to become a memorable event. You don’t have to go above and beyond or do something extraordinary sometimes it’s the simplest things that leave the biggest impression. A genuine smile, a kind greeting, a moment of acknowledgment, those are the things people remember. For me, I’m a hugger, because I believe in the power of connection. They say you need at least three hugs a day for mental health wellness, and I truly stand by that.

The reason I’m so passionate about this is because many young women haven’t had someone invest in them or pour into them. So, I encourage them to not only receive positive results but to give them as well. Be intentional about the energy you bring into every space.

If I could leave them with anything, it would be this: make it happen and live in the moment. When you fully embrace where you are, you open the door to where you’re meant to go next. Every moment is an opportunity, it’s a chance to create something meaningful, to leave a lasting impact, and to grow into the next level of who you are meant to be.

Because at the end of the day, every moment you live has the power to become a memorable one.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is engaging and connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and life circumstances, while ensuring they feel genuinely supported and understood. Whether working with children, teens, young adults, or families, I strive to build meaningful relationships rooted in trust relationships that encourage growth, resilience, and positive change.

At the same time, I believe one of the greatest opportunities within mental health is the ability to reduce stigma and increase awareness, especially in underserved communities. There is still so much work to be done in creating safe spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered to prioritize their emotional well-being.

I am deeply passionate about helping individuals recognize their strengths, embrace their journeys, and seek support without hesitation or fear. As the field continues to evolve, we have an incredible opportunity to expand access to quality mental health care, foster understanding, and create lasting, meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.

You must place value in yourself first. That’s something I truly believe. The core values I stand on are dedication, determination, and dependability I often call it my “3D.”

When I commit to something, I give it my whole heart. I must be genuine, because I believe people can feel authenticity. I want others to know that when they encounter me, they are getting someone who is real, consistent, and a positive asset. Whether you need me today or tomorrow, I strive to be there. And if I say I’m going to show up, I will because my word is everything. That level of integrity is at the center of who I am.

On a personal level, family means everything to me. I have always poured into being a wife, a mother, a sister giving so much of myself to others. But two years ago, at the age of 55, I experienced something life-changing: I had a heart attack that came completely out of nowhere. That moment shifted my perspective in a profound way.

While I have always loved myself, that experience taught me how to truly fall in love with myself in a deeper, more intentional way. I realized that I could not continue pouring from an empty cup I had to make space for me, too.

Now, every single day, I intentionally take 30 minutes just for me a mental health break. Whether it is sitting at Jeremiah’s, people-watching, or simply being still, that time allows me to reset, reflect, and recharge. It is a small act, but it has made a powerful difference in how I show up for my life and for others.

At my core, I love making people happy, but I have learned that in order to truly uplift others, I must take care of myself first. And that, to me, is one of the greatest lessons I have learned because when you value yourself, everything else begins to align.