Jamie Williams
Senior Higher Ed Impact Manager
Jamie’s main role with Generation Hope is to provide support to colleges and universities interested in taking action to further elevate student parent success at their institutions. In addition to being an AmeriCorps Alum, Jamie earned a Doctorate in Public Administration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, an M.Ed. in Counseling from Frostburg State University, and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Jamie also joins Generation Hope with over 15 years of nonprofit and higher education experience primarily working as an advocate, educator, and capacity builder to further community-driven collective impact initiatives, basic needs security, and more equitable access to quality education and economic mobility. As a child of teen parents, Jamie has felt the direct impact that postsecondary education can have on economic mobility across generations and is ecstatic to join others in cultivating campuses that are welcoming and supportive of student parents.
Quote:
The ability to hold space for another's experience is a critical one. It's not about giving advice or trying to fix anything, but witnessing and just being an active, attentive presence. — Mia Birdsong
Why I chose this quote:
Too often, we fall into the mindset of making snapshot judgments of what we think we understand about another’s path and their individual level of responsibility for being wherever they are. This quote reminds me that as individuals and a larger society, we need to get better at showing up for each other with compassion, demonstrating that someone’s circumstances do not define their value, and focusing on addressing systemic issues that are perpetuating inequities for folx every day.
Also, I love the work of Mia Birdsong.