Dr. Nathaniel J. Williams

Dr. Nathaniel J. Williams is a social entrepreneur, author, and international motivational speaker whose background in the New York City foster care system has influenced his career in human services and leadership. At age 5, Williams and his eleven siblings lost their mother to a cranial aneurysm, and from that point until age 18, he was under the authority of the New York City foster care system, along with nine of his brothers and sisters. Williams has dedicated his professional life to serving vulnerable populations, drawing on his personal experiences to inform his work.

Williams founded HumanWorks Affiliates, formerly known as Spectrum Services, a 501(c) nonprofit organization that grew from a strategic plan to expand the services of the former Foundation for Progressive Living. As president and CEO of HumanWorks Affiliates, Inc., Williams oversees a cluster of nine corporations focused on human services, including group homes, foster care and life sharing, supports for individuals living independently, leisure and recreation excursions, and training and professional development opportunities. HumanWorks Affiliates, Inc. employs 300 people who care for 250 individuals, operating with a budget of $25 million. One of the affiliates, ChildFirst Services, Inc., received recognition from the FBI for its work with children involved in child trafficking.

Before founding HumanWorks, Williams held roles such as director of human resources and operations, unit director, residence manager, and teaching parent in organizations serving adults with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, and dependent children. His career has included positions as a direct-care worker, house parent, social services entrepreneur, business entrepreneur, chief executive officer, adjunct professor, scholar-in-residence, and TV talk show host. Williams is also the host of the weekly talk show "The Navigating Your Life Show with Dr. Nathaniel J. Williams."

Williams is an author and speaker whose engagements have included presentations to the U.S. Armed Forces in Kosovo, England, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. He has served as keynote speaker for the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program at Elizabeth City State University and is the author of nine books, including the self-help title "The Navigator of Life," "The 10 Keys to Attaining Your Personal Best," and "The Absolutes of Success" series. Williams serves on various boards and committees and has taught undergraduate and graduate courses.

Williams holds five graduate degrees: a Master of Human Services from Lincoln University, a Master of Public Administration from Cheyney University, a Master of Business Administration, a Doctor in Education from Fielding Graduate University, and a Doctor of Social Work from the University of Southern California. Kutztown University awarded Williams an honorary doctorate at its commencement ceremony, where he received a Doctor of Humane Letters, litterarum humaniorum doctor, honoris causa. He also served as the Frederick Douglass Institute Scholar in Residence at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, the institution's first yearlong FDI scholar-in-residence. Williams' work in social entrepreneurship, foster care advocacy, and nonprofit leadership continues to influence audiences and organizations worldwide.