Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams is a dedicated Talent Strategies Manager at the Roanoke Regional Partnership, where she leverages her expertise in marketing, digital strategies, and relationship building to support workforce development and regional growth. With a Bachelor’s in Marketing from Radford University and an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Virginia Western Community College, Michelle has cultivated a strong foundation in business, communications, and strategy that she has applied across multiple roles in marketing and talent management.
Her career journey spans positions in digital marketing, content strategy, and customer service supervision, including work with Firefli, R&K Solutions, and Kohl’s Department Stores. Michelle has consistently focused on connecting people, fostering professional growth, and leveraging technology and strategy to support both businesses and communities.
Outside of her professional work, Michelle is deeply committed to volunteering, contributing over a decade of service to organizations such as PLAY Roanoke, Kohl’s Cares, local animal shelters, and youth-focused nonprofits. She is passionate about community engagement and believes in creating meaningful connections that empower others while advancing regional development and innovation.
• AdWords Certification
• Radford University- Bachelor's
• Virginia Western Community College- Associate's
• Second Friday
• PLAY Roanoke: Parks and Recreation
• Kohl's Cares
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to starting where opportunity first opened its doors—marketing—where I learned to navigate fast-moving teams and male-dominated rooms, sharpening my voice and instincts. Each step of my career, from government contracting to digital advertising and now economic development, built on the last, teaching me the power of authentic storytelling and the importance of connection and giving back to my community.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to always stay in learning mode, give themselves grace, and lead with authenticity. People connect to honesty, and representing a place, brand, or mission genuinely makes all the difference.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is adapting to a rapidly changing digital landscape across generations, especially as COVID accelerated these shifts. Additionally, rising costs of living create hurdles for talent relocation, requiring creative strategies to attract and retain people sustainably.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are connection and empowerment—linking people and ideas and supporting others while also being my own advocate. I believe in celebrating successes, having confidence in my voice, and encouraging others, especially women, to do the same.