ERG Council Q2 with Ken Williams

OUR GUEST SPEAKER IS Ken Williams, community organizer, advisor, fellow and CEO. 

Guest Speaker: Ken Williams

Ken Williams is an equity strategist and innovation junkie experienced in workforce development, public policy, and community engagement. For the last 12 years, Ken has worked with mission-driven organizations to maximize their impact by investing in their greatest resource: people. Building strong, authentic partnerships has been a cornerstone of Ken’s career, and his approach to providing technical assistance incorporates respect, trust, and a shared vision for success. He has launched economic initiatives for city and local governments, advised federal agencies on equity, facilitated learning dialogues that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, advised higher education institutions on community engagement, and strengthened the organizational capacity of nonprofit organizations. Some noteworthy clients and employers include the City of Houston Mayor’s Office, U.S. Economic Development Administration, Georgia Tech, Leadership for Educational Equity, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Clearway Energy, Jason Carter for Governor (Georgia), and the Federation of American Scientists.

Ken is the founder of GROW (Green Resources & Opportunities Workforce) aimed at increasing Bipoc representation in the green economy and improving the lives of under-resourced and underserved communities of color through education, workforce training, and economic development.

Ken advocates for greater equity with an analytical eye, a strategic mind, and a collaborative spirit. He is a graduate of the McKinsey Academy, credentialed in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business, Congressional Black Caucus Institute alumnus, and a member of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.

Ken is a first-generation college graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, earning a B.A in Government and African American studies. Ken has been awarded the Houston Mayor’s Volunteer Award with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston by then-Mayor, Bill White. A native Houstonian with first-hand experience of the negative impacts of climate change, energy poverty, and environmental racism. Ken is all about maximizing resources and opportunities for social and economic impact!