LEE A. WILLIAMS, II
Greensboro,NC
Summary
Visionary, equity-driven educator and leader with over a decade of experience designing and executing anti-racist strategies across school systems. Proven success leading systemic DEI change at the district level, cultivating inclusive cultures, and elevating historically resilient voices. An expert facilitator and strategic thinker, skilled in building collaborative systems, aligning stakeholders, and driving sustainable impact through data-informed planning and culturally responsive practices.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Rocketship Public Schools
01.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: National nonprofit charter network committed to unleashing the potential of every student through exceptional educators and family engagement.
- Designed and launched a three-year DEI strategic plan aligned to organizational values and equity vision.
- Formed and led the DEI Council with governance structures to drive accountability and senior leader alignment.
- Cultivated an inclusive culture through a redesign of the 'Rocketship Way' using decentering whiteness and anti-racist tools.
- Created and implemented DEI trainings across staff levels, including affinity spaces and leadership development.
- Developed a 'train-the-trainer' model for school-based DEI facilitators; coached for high-quality facilitation.
- Partnered cross-functionally to analyze and act on DEI metrics and staff experience data.
- Acted as a key ambassador for DEI across the national network; modeled values of tenacity, authenticity, innovation, and excellence.
- National nonprofit charter network committed to unleashing the potential of every student through exceptional educators and family engagement.
Senior Facilitator & Curriculum Designer (Contractor)
MILO
01.2021 - Current
- Company Overview: National
- Facilitated DEI modules on anti-racism, equity dialogue, and SEL in hybrid environments.
- Trained educators on embedding culturally responsive practices in instructional design and delivery.
- National
Chief Equity and Secondary School Officer
Orange County Schools
, NC
06.2021 - 12.2023
- Recruit and cultivate a team of equity specialists and directors of student engagement and support to infuse anti-racist pedagogy and SEL curriculum into every school.
- Lead the district rollout and implementation process of RethinkEd's social-emotional learning curriculum in coordination with data collected via Panorama surveys of families and students in order to meet identified student needs.
- Institutea series of professional development sessions at the school, district, Board of Education, and community level with a focus on learning to have converations about race, creating space for everyone in and out of the classroom, and engaging in culturally relevant pedagogical practices.
- Transform the district's approach to goal setting, shifting from a SMART to SMARTIE goal approach, emphasizing and ensuring that inclusion and equity become standard elements in all strategic planning efforts.
- Design and launch affinity group spaces with a focus on shared experiences and understanding, ultimately positively impacting educator/staff retention rates.
- Revitalize a district-level Equity Task Force, strengthening voices of historically resilient community members, persuading a split Board of Education to unanimously vote in support of a contract and implementation plan with Courageous Conversations.
- Co-create a toolguide for current and new Equity Officers to support and navigate district intiatives, challenging political climate, and systemic data analytics, while pushing the work forward.
Principal
Guilford County Schools
Greensboro, USA
09.2019 - 06.2021
- Company Overview: NC
- Led a Title I, highly impacted middle school of 637 students through the pandemic, centering equity, student voice, and academic resilience.
- Created and facilitated weekly Friday Equity Chats with staff focused on culturally responsive teaching and anti-racist practices.
- Convened community stakeholders to re-envision the school mission and vision around student advocacy and inclusive learning.
- Redesigned instruction to center marginalized learners through project-based learning and culturally relevant pedagogy.
- Deepened partnerships with local organizations to provide holistic student supports and amplify student success.
- Enhanced school culture through a 30,000 sq. ft. mural celebrating global BIPOC leaders, co-created by students.
- NC
- Secured and oversaw a $1.5M NC Innovative Partnership Grant focused on equity-driven multimedia project-based learning.
- Managed a $600,000 school-based budget aligned to instructional and equity goals.
- Winner of the 2020–2021 Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes Grant for student-led equity initiatives.
- Strengthened staff retention and collaboration through a culture of shared leadership, belonging, and innovation.
Executive Director of Equity & Inclusion
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Chapel Hill, USA
10.2017 - 09.2019
- Company Overview: NC
- Created and implemented the district’s Racial Equity Impact Assessment tool and trained all staff on its use.
- Built and led an Equity Advisory Council in partnership with UNC and Duke; guided district involvement in MSAN.
- Delivered 40+ equity-focused professional learning sessions, reaching over 1,300 participants.
- Co-awarded a $4.3M Oak Foundation grant and secured $260K in county equity funding.
- Designed and implemented district-wide equity communications to build transparency and community trust.
- NC
Principal
Alamance-Burlington School System
Burlington, USA
06.2015 - 10.2017
- Company Overview: NC
- Reimagined school culture and improved school performance from F to near-C rating within two years.
- Founded 'Kings' and 'Queens' student affinity and leadership programs for Black and Hispanic youth.
- Partnered with the community to launch the district’s first middle school band and implemented a restorative discipline model to reduce suspensions.
- NC
Education
M.A. - Educational Administration
Grand Canyon University
01.2012
B.A. - Speech & Communications, Psychology, Sociology, History
Clemson University
01.2004
Skills
- Equity-Centered Strategic Planning
- DEI Training & Facilitation
- Inclusive Culture Building
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Data-Driven Equity Audits
- Affinity Group Development
- Stakeholder Engagement & Public Speaking
- Governance Alignment & Council Development
Affiliations
- #EduColor
- AVID
- Black Male Educators United
- Multi-Cultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN)
- NC Association of Educators (NCAE)
Awards Recognition
- We Are Anti-Racist Educator Spotlight, 01/01/21
- LifeChanger of the Year Nominee, 01/01/20
- Principal of the Year Finalist, ABSS, 01/01/17
Selected Presentations
- Embodying Courageous and Compassionate Leadership, NC State Leadership Academy, 01/01/23
- Teaching as a Performance Art, with Dr. Christopher Emdin, 01/01/22
- Fireside Chat on Equity, Paul LeBlanc, SNHU, 01/01/21
- National Equity Officer Collective, Leadership Academy, 01/01/22
- Courageous Conversations Conference, Washington D.C., 01/01/22
Quote
I am for truth no matter who tells it. I am for justice, no matter who it's for or against.” – Malcolm X
Timeline
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Rocketship Public Schools
01.2024 - Current
Chief Equity and Secondary School Officer
Orange County Schools
06.2021 - 12.2023
Senior Facilitator & Curriculum Designer (Contractor)
MILO
01.2021 - Current
Principal
Guilford County Schools
09.2019 - 06.2021
Executive Director of Equity & Inclusion
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
10.2017 - 09.2019
Principal
Alamance-Burlington School System
06.2015 - 10.2017
M.A. - Educational Administration
Grand Canyon University
B.A. - Speech & Communications, Psychology, Sociology, History
Clemson University