About Us
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Our Family Mission
As a family and nonprofit, we are committed to encouraging healthy unions, children, and communities who are empowered to break generational poverty through financial literacy, economic development, and educational opportunities.
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Ryan Williams, Sr.
A Southside of Chicago, IL native, Ryan Williams, Sr., has roots of family, service, and educators who have empowered communities that date back to more than ninety years on both sides of his family. Ryan's maternal grandfather, Bishop C.L. Jackson, was a trendsetter in faith, business, and real estate.
Both grandfathers (married 50 plus years) raised children who made inroads in industries, especially education, the military, and various aspects of service! His family was and continues to be successful in feeding thousands of people in need, including the homeless, working poor, and seniors-citizens, for over 55 years and counting (South & Westside) of Chicago. The son of a former principal and Howard University alum, his studies lead him to City College, Penn State, and Temple University with degrees in Business Administration.
Ryan is a dedicated husband, father, and man of faith, passionate about teaching communities financial literacy and introducing various aspects of investment. His love for building up the whole child keeps him thriving and relevant in education today. With such a solid foundation of a strong family, Ryan has and continues to work as a Mentor, Out-of-School Time Director, Varsity Basketball Coach, Site Director, Dean of Students, Dean of Culture, and Math Teacher.
Erica Williams
A native of Philadelphia, PA, Erica has been involved in the creative and performing arts for more than 24yrs. Her experience in the arts has provided opportunities to work in various artistic capacities, such as national commercials, film, and countless productions on stage locally and abroad—a dedicated wife, mother, and woman of faith.
Erica has used the arts and business coaching to uplift, equip, and provide resources to students, business owners, growing non-profits, and under-resourced communities. She holds a Master's in Education and Urban Studies, a double bachelor's in Communications-Theater and African American Studies from Temple University, a Certificate in Performing Arts Ritual (Dance/Directing/Drama), and teaching certifications.
An educator at heart, Erica has taught, trained, and developed educational experiences and back-end systems for community organizations, schools, and city programming in the United States, Europe, and more than 11 countries in Western & Southern Africa, using arts education, curriculum development, and her multi-dimensional talents as a way to develop communities that have been pushed to the margins.
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Partner with us as we raise $1 Million to reinvest in Arts Education on the Southside of Chicago.