Michele Williams
Michele Williams is a visionary leader with more than 20 years of experience driving meaningful impact at the intersection of policy, people, and possibility. She has built a distinguished career across government, nonprofit, and workforce development sectors, partnering with organizations to design equity-centered strategies that strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and deliver measurable results. Known for her ability to translate complex policy into practical action, Michele brings clarity, compassion, and purpose to every initiative she leads.
As President and CEO of Innovative Global Workforce Consulting LLC, Michele advises organizations on strategic planning, program innovation, and workforce systems transformation. Her background in public service established her as a trusted architect of compliance, research, and workforce initiatives, and she is widely respected for building inclusive, high-performing teams that focus on outcomes that truly matter. Her expertise spans equity-driven workforce development, grant strategy, philanthropic partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration.
Through consulting, national speaking engagements, and thought leadership, Michele continues to shape the future of workforce systems by empowering leaders and organizations to adapt with agility and lead with intention. She holds a Master of Science in Administration from Lindenwood University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. At the core of her work is a deep belief that meaningful change begins with people—and that every challenge presents an opportunity to innovate.
• Minority Business Enterprise
• Woman Business Enterprise
• Woman Owned Small Business
• Lindenwood University- Master's
• University of Missouri-Saint Louis- B.A.
• National Association of Workforce Development Professionals
• Highway to Destiny Board Member
• United Way
• Regional Arts Commission
• St. Louis Area Foodbank
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance—staying committed, resilient, and focused even when the path forward is challenging.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that it’s okay to make mistakes—as long as we don’t give up and keep moving forward.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to lead with clarity, not apology. Your confidence is your credibility- use it.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are navigating the political climate and securing funding, while a key opportunity lies in identifying and leveraging alternative funding sources.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Humility is the value I hold most important, guiding my decisions and interactions both in my work and personal life.