Dr. Monica G. Williams, a prominent Black fundraising executive and educator, has now taken on a new role as Texas Woman’s University’s (TWU) first president in Houston. Her life’s path, marked by personal and professional triumphs, breaks barriers and creates new possibilities for women of color, particularly in higher education.
Growing up in Houston, Williams didn’t initially envision a career in education, let alone leadership. Her early years were uncertain, especially after becoming a mother at a young age. “I started out as a teen mom and was undecided about what I would do, but I knew that teachers who encouraged me really did change the trajectory of my life,” Dr. Williams says. This pivotal influence of educators inspired her to pursue higher education when her daughter started kindergarten.
In 1992, Williams enrolled as a non-traditional student at Texas Southern University (TSU), majoring in English and minoring in journalism. Despite the challenges of being an older student, she excelled academically, completing her degree in just two years and a summer session. Her passion for writing led her to contribute to the Houston Defender, marking the beginning of her connection to the community she would eventually serve as a leader.
However, it wasn’t long before Williams found her true calling in the classroom. After teaching English for a few years, she realized that her impact could extend beyond the classroom. When faced with the decision to pursue a teaching certification or a master’s degree, she chose the latter, seeing it as a way to bring more resources to students of color. This decision marked the beginning of her journey into higher education administration, where she would work tirelessly to secure funding and resources for institutions that serve minority students.
Her fundraising efforts at TSU and other institutions, including Prairie View A&M University and Rice University, caught the attention of higher education leaders, eventually leading her to TWU. Dr. Williams’ work in administration and deep commitment to education made her the ideal candidate to lead the new Houston campus, a role she enthusiastically embraces.
She served as the Founding Managing Director of Community Partnerships for the United States Fund for UNICEF, leading efforts to raise awareness about children in impoverished countries. She built organizational capacity and developed partnerships with diaspora groups, generating over $200 million in fundraising for higher education institutions and other organizations.
Williams brings a bold vision as the first president of TWU’s Houston campus. After serving as vice president of advancement and foundation president at the University of North Texas at Dallas for nine years, Williams is moving to Houston. She spearheaded the university’s strategic plan development during her tenure and contributed to a 60% rise in enrollment.
“Ultimately, I want to help create visibility for Texas Woman’s University in Houston,” she says. “The transformational power of education and how we make communities better through students who come back and serve the community is what’s so amazing about Texas Woman’s University.” Her passion for education, particularly empowering women through learning, is at the core of her leadership.
Williams is particularly excited about the opportunity to help women realize their dreams and aspirations.
“The students have been waiting for me,” she recalls. “And I told them we’re going to build this university together as a team. We will have a collective impact because I can’t do this alone.”
Her approach to leadership is rooted in collaboration and a deep understanding of the unique challenges women face in the workplace. Black women face unique challenges in college, careers, and family planning due to the intersection of racism and sexism. These challenges include financial barriers, academic challenges, lack of support in college, discrimination, stereotypes, lack of representation in careers, health disparities, financial challenges, and bias in healthcare settings. Williams sees TWU as a critical institution that prepares women to excel in their careers while balancing their personal lives.
“We don’t have to choose. We can do all of it,” she says, focusing on creating a supportive environment where women can thrive professionally and personally.
Williams offers simple but powerful advice for young women striving to balance demanding careers with personal lives, “You have to chase the dream until it’s fulfilled.”
