Jenise Williams is a proud third-generation Detroiter whose passion for education and commitment to community service define her leadership journey. A dynamic force in Detroit’s education system, Williams has dedicated her career to not only teaching but also shaping educational policy and inspiring young minds. Her impact is felt in classrooms and boardrooms alike, with a deep dedication to improving educational outcomes and fostering equitable opportunities for all students.
Jenise’s academic foundation is as impressive as her professional accomplishments. She earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts in 2018, followed by an MA in Education Leadership and Policy from U of M’s School of Education in 2021. As a Golden Key International Honor Society inductee,
Jenise’s scholarly achievements reflect her commitment to academic excellence. Among her many honors, Jenise was recognized by the University of Michigan Black Alumni Association in 2019 with the prestigious "Five Under Ten" award for her accomplishments within just a decade of graduating.
In addition to her academic prowess, Jenise has been celebrated for her leadership in the Detroit community. A 2020 Skillman Foundation “Detroit Genius” and 2021 New Leaders Council Detroit Fellow, she continuously works to uplift others through service. As an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Rho Omega Chapter, Jenise serves on the board of Focus Hope’s Future Leaders of Hope and is involved with BasBlue’s Gen Z committee. Her leadership extends beyond education into the arts, where she made history as the first Black woman and youngest person to serve as president of the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Founders Junior Council. In 2023, Jenise was named a Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 Honoree, and in 2024, she was recognized with the Michigan Education Policy Fellowship and the t.Lab Trailblazer award for her innovative contributions to education.
Jenise’s journey as an educator began in 2018 when she joined Teach For America – Detroit Corps, teaching Kindergarten and third grade in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). In her first year, she quickly distinguished herself, earning the title of Rookie of the Year at her school. Her dedication to her students led to remarkable academic growth, with unprecedented improvement in both year-end and mid-year data assessments. Jenise’s success as a teacher earned her district-wide recognition, leading her to create literacy curriculum content that was used across DPSCD schools. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she further demonstrated her leadership by developing pre-recorded literacy lessons to ensure students continued to receive quality education remotely.
Her passion for equity and inclusion extends into her work as a school representative on DPSCD’s Teacher Lead Equity Task Force. Here, Jenise planned and facilitated sessions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics, working toward creating a more inclusive educational environment. She also contributed to the district’s Online Learning Taskforce, which played a critical role in guiding the district’s transition back to in-person learning during the pandemic.
In her current role as Director of Outreach and Alliances for Teach For America Detroit, Jenise continues to impact the educational landscape, not just in Detroit but across the state of Michigan. She leads national experiential learning visits for educators, supports statewide expansion efforts, and serves as a staff sponsor for several affinity groups within the organization. Her work is focused on ensuring that all educators and students have access to transformative educational experiences, especially in underserved communities.
As a third-generation Detroit educator, Jenise’s commitment to her city is deeply rooted in her desire to create lasting change. She is dedicated to continuing her work as a servant leader, focusing on social justice and the empowerment of Detroit’s youth. Jenise Williams exemplifies the power of education and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the city she loves, and inspiring a new generation of educators and leaders to follow in her footsteps.
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