Meet Dr. Tameka V. Williams

Dr. Tameka V. Williams is a distinguished leadership scholar, educator, and criminal justice expert with over 18 years of experience spanning criminal legal spaces, higher education, and organizational development. As the current CEO of Leaving a Legacy, LLC, she leads transformative initiatives focused on empowering families through leadership development, educational advancement, and sports consultancy services.

Dr. Williams also serves as the Director of Staff Investment and Curiosity at Justice System Partners, where she develops and implements innovative learning environments that promote growth mindset and organizational excellence. Her commitment to fostering inclusive workplace cultures has resulted in successful team development and improved organizational outcomes across multiple institutions.

A passionate advocate for women's leadership, Dr. Williams co-founded J.E.W.E.L.S., Inc., a thriving organization with over 150 members dedicated to empowering the next generation of women leaders through mentorship, networking, and service. Under her leadership, the organization has secured over $100,000 in fundraising to support student scholarships, conferences, and organizational initiatives.

Dr. Williams earned her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where her dissertation focused on measuring correctional managers' perceptions following leadership development interventions. Her academic credentials also include a Master's degree in Criminal Justice and dual Bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University.

As a published scholar, Dr. Williams has contributed significantly to academic literature in criminal justice, leadership development, and community reentry. Her research appears in prestigious journals, including Crime & Delinquency, Journal of Criminal Justice Education, and Advancing Women in Leadership. She has also authored numerous technical assistance reports on substance use program assessment and community intervention strategies.

Throughout her career, Dr. Williams has demonstrated exceptional expertise in project management, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, and creating inclusive environments where employees and stakeholders feel valued. Her work continues to impact organizations and communities through innovative leadership approaches and evidence-based strategies for organizational transformation.