Today we’d like to introduce you to Lora Williams.
Hi Lora, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My healthcare journey began at just 16 when I enrolled in Gary Job Corps to earn my certificate as a Nursing Assistant. Initially, I was motivated by a desire to care for my grandparents, though circumstances meant I never fulfilled that role as I had envisioned. Instead, my first job as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) opened my eyes to the profound needs of older people and the often heart-wrenching lack of leadership in the field. This experience ignited a passion that propelled me further into healthcare. Determined to make a broader impact, I pursued further education, earning a Medication Aide Certification through Austin Community College and my licenses as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and Registered Nurse (RN). My experiences went internationally with World Vision, traveling to Kenya and Honduras. I contributed to initiatives focused on clear water, education, child protection, and poverty prevention there. This exposure broadened my perspective on what transformative healthcare and leadership could look like globally.
Back home, I channeled these insights into senior living, striving to uplift the standard of excellence and forge effective, cohesive teams. I’ve learned that training and education are critical in equipping individuals with the tools they need to escape poverty and improve their living conditions. Inspired by this belief, my husband and I founded Williams Career School of Excellence in Central Texas to provide essential skills training in high-demand areas. We also established Treasured Protégé NPO, which focuses on education, housing, and mentorship for youth and young adults aging out of foster care.
Through these initiatives, we are working to mold a future where everyone can thrive and contribute positively to society regardless of their starting point. My path from a hopeful nursing assistant to a leader in healthcare and education reflects a deep-seated commitment to nurturing potential and advocating for those in need.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the journey has not been smooth. Some of the major struggles I faced included my initial foray into healthcare as a nursing assistant, where the stark lack of leadership and the unmet needs of the elderly deeply affected me. This experience exposed the harsh realities of the field and inspired me to seek more education and training to make a meaningful difference.
Further challenges in grasping the complexity of poverty and the Hope that arose throughout travels with World Vision, where I, along with a group of dedicated women here in Austin, my Women of Vision family, worked on international projects by educating our Austin community and learning how we can partner with God in faith by being a solution here in the US and connecting our efforts to the children and families in Kenya and Honduras. There, I was confronted with the complexities of poverty, which were much larger and more intricate than anything I had encountered before. The work was emotionally demanding but incredibly enlightening, pushing me to think about how healthcare can intersect with other crucial areas like education and infrastructure to lift communities out of poverty.
I continued to face hurdles, particularly in senior living, where raising the standard of care required hard work and a complete shift in the organizational culture. Building cohesive teams and leading change involved overcoming resistance and fostering a new mindset among staff about what excellence in care means.
Lastly, launching the Williams Career School of Excellence and founding Treasured Protégé NPO presented a new set of challenges, from securing funding and navigating hurdles to ensuring that the programs we offered effectively met our community’s needs. Each step required resilience, a willingness to learn, and a profound commitment to the belief that better care, better opportunities, and better lives are possible with the right approach and dedication.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Williams Career School of Excellence, what sets us apart is our deep commitment to transforming lives through education. Our offerings are designed to meet and anticipate the demands of today’s job market, ensuring our graduates are employable and genuinely prepared to excel in their chosen fields.
We offer a range of programs focusing on the most in-demand skills in Central Texas, specifically in healthcare and HVAC-R tech programs. These programs are meticulously crafted to provide hands-on, practical training, ensuring our students transition smoothly from the classroom to the workplace. Each course is taught by experienced professionals who bring real-world insights and expertise to their teaching, making learning relevant and engaging.
Our services extend beyond education; we are dedicated to our students’ overall well-being and success. This includes career counseling, job placement assistance, and mentorship programs designed to support our students from their first day of class to their first day on the job and beyond.
Moreover, at Williams Career School of Excellence, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. Our nonprofit, Treasured Protégé, supports youth in foster care by providing education, mentorship, and housing as they transition into adulthood. Through this organization, we directly express our care for the vulnerable members of our community. By choosing Williams Career School of Excellence, students are not just joining a school but becoming part of a supportive community committed to excellence and ethical leadership in the workforce.
Have you learned any exciting or essential lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
No matter what, the in-demand trades will be an intricate part of our lives. Therefore, it’s important to educate youth about the trades as a valuable opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mywcse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mywcse?igsh=MWJnN2d4ampranRuYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/Am4aAYahDLyYcXf3/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lora-williams-rn-founder-0b6ab05?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
