Bio
Charizma Williams is the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ’s Chief Operating Officer, a strategic role that ensures the evolving and robust needs of this dynamic organization are well-supported through efficient and forward-thinking operations. Her portfolio includes finance, human resources, disability and accessibility, information technology and security, enterprise risk management, business operations, and facilities. Williams served as the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ’s Chief Financial Officer for three years prior to becoming the COO.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Williams spent her college years in the Midwest where she attended the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, graduating with a bachelor’s degree focused in finance. She then started her career as a securities trader before quickly realizing her preference for mission-driven work. After a career pivot, Williams then spent over a decade working to help improve educational opportunities for students in low-income communities. Most recently, she was the CFO at KIPP NYC, a charter school management organization in New York City where over 11 years she helped guide the organization through several growth phases, expanding operational budgets and students-served by more than fourfold.
Outside of work Williams dedicates significant time to helping mission-driven organizations achieve their goals. Her board service includes leadership positions as Treasurer and Chair for organizations whose missions include providing technology training and workforce placement to low-income students, providing mental health and academic services to at-risk middle school girls, and promoting cycling in New Jersey communities. In her spare time, she can usually be found outdoors hiking, fishing, cycling, paddleboarding or engaged in snow sports across the country.