Margot
Williams is a Civic Engagement and Public Policy Educator in Cook
County for the University of Illinois Extension. She is the former
Director of the Workforce Development Department of the Urban
League of Champaign County and Project Director for YEP UCAN (Youth
Employment Program Utilizing Communities and Neighborhoods). YEP
UCAN was a grant funded by the Department of Labor through collaborations
with select National Urban League affiliates. The program targets
young adults 18-21 years old who have not completed high school
and/or are adjudicated. The primary goals are to help YEP UCAN
participants attain their GED as well as secure gainful unsubsidized
employment.
Margot is also the former Director of Community Relations for
Parkland College. Margot received her M.A. degree in Business
Communications from Jones International University in May 2004
and holds a B.A. inJournalism with an emphasis in Advertising/Promotions
from Northern Illinois University. She has over 15 years of experience
in the field of public affairs, public relations, sales and marketing.
Before returning to Chicago, Margot also worked for the University
of Illinois' athletic department Fighting Illini Scholarship Fund,
United Parcel Service, AT & T Media Services and hosted a
television show, "Job Story" for Parkland College Educational
Television (PCETV).
In her spare time, Margot provides promotions consulting services
to various corporate, faith-based and community organizations
throughout Illinois, Atlanta, California and Las Vegas. Aside
from exercising and practicing meditation techniques, she has
also taught Chicago Style Steppin' through park districts, fitness
facilities and dance studios as well as enjoys studying Christian
principles, mentoring middle school and high school-aged girls
about Youth Empowerment Strategies (YES). She recently turned
her love for dance, flair for fashion and interest in sewing into
a business venture that includes the launching of her www.StepNStyles.com
web site featuring custom made bags and pouches for dancer's shoes
and accessories. She has interest in securing funds to utilize
the StepNStyles business venture to develop a program to provide
young people with an outlet to learn how to sew as a way to help
build their self esteem and positively contribute to the economic
development of their communities.
She is the daughter of Barbara and Willie Williams and the granddaughter
of former National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) member, Nettie
L. Cook, who is also featured in the Early American Museum chronicles.
Her father, Coach Williams, is an outstanding track athlete who
broke Jesse Owens' world record in the 100 meters in 1956 and
retired in August 2000 from being an Associate Head Men's Track
Coach (emphasis on sprinters) of the University of Illinois. She
has one sister, Darla, an adult son, Thomas and a nephew, Julian.
)
denotes original charter members of the Champaign County Section
of the National Council of Negro Women.