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The experience with IASA has been rewarding, Harrison-
Williams said, because it allowed her to become a voice
for non-Caucasian Superintendents, particularly African-
Americans statewide, as well as an advocate for all public-
school children in the state.
“The vision of IASA is ‘Maximum Educational Success for
All Students’ and that’s our benchmark,” she said. “We strive
to increase educational equity—so that all students achieve
maximum educational success through school improvement.”
As president, Harrison-Williams said her mission is to
represent all superintendents in the state, adding she wants
to travel to as many regions as possible and visit with
superintendents and gather feedback.
It’s too early to list specific goals for her new role, she said,
but one priority for the board is to continue to support Vision
20/20—the public-policy platform created by the Illinois
Statewide School Management Alliance to improve public
education in Illinois.
Distinguished career
After more than a decade on the board and serving on
numerous committees, as well as treasurer and president-
elect last year, she feels prepared for the new role, Harrison-
Williams said.
Throughout her career, she also has had the opportunity to
serve in a variety of leadership capacities.
She serves on the Executive Committee of the
Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics
and Diversity, which collaborates with school district leaders
to provide professional development for teachers and
administrators. She was also appointed by the Governor to
serve on the Illinois Education Funding Advisory Board. She
serves as treasurer of the National Alliance of Black School
Educators Organization. She co-founded the HWC Executive
Leadership Institute, where she co-hosts an annual Aspiring
Superintendents Summer Institute.
In addition, Harrison-Williams is an active member of the
following organizations: the American Association of School
Administrators, the Illinois and National School Boards
Association, the Illinois Association of School Business
Officials and the Suburban Superintendents Association.
Her work as superintendent has also been recognized by
many. Earlier this year, she was named Superintendent of
Distinction by her peers in the IASA Cook South region.
Other awards and recognitions she’s earned include: the
2018 Commissioner Richard Boykins 4th Annual Trailblazer
Award, 2016 Reaching Back Foundation’s Phenomenal
Woman in Education Award, Chicago Defender 2012
“Women of Excellence” Award, co-recipient of the 2012
AASA Dr. Effie H. Jones “Humanitarian” Award and the 2011
NABSE Joseph E. Hill “Superintendent of the Year” Award.
Just like it was the first day she stepped in the classroom as
a teacher, her focus today still continues to be what’s best
for kids.
“I love what I do as superintendent; the impact I have on the
lives of children, I take very seriously. I love the children and I
love public education,” Harrison-Williams said.
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Harrison-Williams
...
cont’d.