Her Story
About Margarette
Margarette Norris-Williams is a dedicated nutrition services professional with over 16 years of experience at Memphis Shelby County Schools, where she has built a distinguished career centered on the health and well-being of students. Recently promoted to Nutrition Services Area Manager, she oversees operations across 17 to 25 school locations — including charter schools — while managing a team of 14 to 18 supervisors and 50 to 85 support staff. A graduate of Strayer University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Health Care Administration and Management, she has further strengthened her academic foundation through studies at Lane College in Secondary Education with a minor in Child Psychology, Southwest Community College in Business Management, and a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding. Her educational breadth, combined with her completion of the Leadership Academy for Nutrition Services, reflects a steadfast commitment to professional growth and excellence in her field.
Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Margarette's impact on young people extends well into the realm of athletics. For over a decade, she served as an Athletic Director and continues to coach volleyball and softball at Maxine Smith STEAM Academy, where she channels her passion for youth development into building confident, resilient student-athletes. Her work is further enriched by her role as a YMCA site supervisor for morning programming, demonstrating a holistic dedication to child development that goes well beyond the lunch line. What began as a dream of becoming a classroom teacher evolved into a calling in school nutrition — a path that has allowed her to nourish students both physically and emotionally, serving as a mentor, counselor, and source of daily encouragement.
A cancer survivor and American Cancer Society Advocate, Margarette has channeled her personal journey into a powerful platform for health advocacy, speaking on behalf of both children and adults in her community. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and an alumna of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honors Society at Strayer University. Her success, she believes, is rooted in purpose — a conviction that showing up consistently for children, continuing to learn, and using every experience as an opportunity to grow are the hallmarks of a life well lived. Through her unwavering dedication to nutrition, athletics, and community service, Margarette Norris-Williams stands as a transformative leader shaping the futures of students across Memphis, Tennessee.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Margarette
01What do you attribute your success to?
Surviving cancer became a turning point in my life that opened doors I never anticipated. It gave me a platform to speak on and advocate for health — for children and adults alike. That experience deepened my commitment to being a positive influence in the lives of the young people I serve every day, and I believe that purpose-driven mindset has been at the core of everything I have accomplished.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was to always be willing to learn something new. The more knowledge and skills you acquire, the more valuable you become — not just to your organization, but to the communities you serve. That principle has guided every step of my career, and I continue to live by it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay focused on your goals and never stop seeking knowledge — even in areas that may not initially interest you. Broadening your expertise builds a stronger resume and positions you for advancement. Whether it's learning about emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, or areas outside your comfort zone, every bit of knowledge adds to your value and opens new doors.
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