our founder
Stephenie Williams is a passionate advocate for education, personal growth, and community empowerment. Raised by a single mother who instilled in her the values of resilience and determination, Stephenie has overcome numerous challenges to achieve remarkable success.
As the youngest of eight children, Stephenie was the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree in social science and then her master's degree in social work, a milestone she reached even after returning to college in her forties. Her journey is a powerful testament to the belief that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and she serves as an inspiring role model to her children and others.
Currently, Stephenie is a Clinician Assistant for children and young adults with autism at Birch Family Services and a School Aide Supervisor for the Department of Education. Stephenie actively contributes her expertise as a New York Juneteenth Committee board member, playing a vital role in promoting awareness and celebration of this important historical event. Her commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond her professional roles. She is also the founder of Samory’s Way, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a haven for families to deal with the grief and anguish of losing a loved one.
Through Samory’s Way, she is dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome life’s challenges, including depression, low self-esteem, abandonment issues, rape, domestic violence, and more. She is passionate about helping survivors of these experiences because she is a survivor herself and wants to teach others how to heal and regain their wholeness. Stephenie’s personal and professional experiences have fueled her dedication to helping others. Her steadfast commitment to community service drives her passion and empowers her to transform lives, one person at a time. Her leadership, resilience, and deep empathy for those in need align perfectly with the mission of any organization seeking to make a meaningful difference in the world.