LM Summer 2018

Harrison-Williams ... cont’d.

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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