Daniel Williams

About Daniel Williams

A leader in urban education and facilitator in design thinking, Daniel works to advance equity in education and workforce development. Daniel is a co-founder and former principal of Grand Rapids University Prep Academy, the first Centers of Innovation School in Grand Rapids Public Schools. While at UPrep, Daniel led his team to achieving a graduation rate of more than 90 percent and 100 percent college acceptance rate each year. Daniel has presented on best practices in two-generation family supports at The Aspen Institute’s Think XChange Conference and sits on their ASCEND two-generation post-secondary work group. Daniel has also presented on design thinking at Grand Valley State University, the National Points of Light Foundation, South By Southwest, and the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce’s Business Matters series. As President + CEO at WMCAT, Daniel leads the organization in advancing equitable access to opportunity throughout West Michigan. He also leads community work around racial equity and opportunity as a member of the Grand Rapids Racial Equity Initiative, Co-Chair of the 4th-12th Work Group with KConnect, member of a National Equity Project cohort, Diversity Council for Varnum, and as a board member with Partners for a Racism Free Community.

Experience

1. President CEO

   Steelcase Foundation

   Feb 2021 — Present · Grand Rapids, MI, US

Education

• Eastern Michigan University

  Master of Education - MEd, Educational Leadership

  2007

• University of Iowa

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Communication Studies

  2002

• Creighton University

  Doctor of Education - EdD, Interdisciplinary Leadership

  2017