Dia Williams Adams
Falling into October with our latest Wonderful Woman of WOC™: Dia Williams Adams
With the changing seasons and a new month, we celebrate our October Wonderful Woman of WOC™— Dia Williams Adams!
Dia Williams Adams is a dedicated nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, education, community development, and the federal government. She thrives on impactful results and utilizes her leadership skills to coach and develop people to ensure operational excellence. She is passionate about health and education equity, and the empowerment of people of color.
Currently, Dia serves as the Executive Director of College Possible Philadelphia, a college access and success program that helps students from under-resourced and under-represented communities achieve their academic dreams. Prior to her current role, she held leadership roles with Virtua Health Foundation, Delaware State University, and the Crozer-Chester Foundation (Crozer-Keystone Health System). She is the chair and founding Board Member of Sunday Suppers Philadelphia and serves as an Alumni Ambassador for Villanova University. In addition, she is a personal coach who helps people experience life on every level and in every stage with hope, joy and love.
Dia attended Tuskegee University, completed her undergraduate studies at Neumann University and received her Master’s in Public Administration and certification in Nonprofit Management from Villanova University.
In Her Own Words
Dr. Maya Angelou, Poet and Activist
Photo credit: Caged Bird Legacy | The Legacy of Dr. Maya Angelou
What is your favorite quote?
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Dr. Maya Angelou
Who is your favorite woman philanthropist of color?
There are several, but I’ll list my top two. My mother always gave and did what she could to help her family and community. She taught me how to love and help others. Another favorite is Oprah Winfrey who uses her influence and resources for the greater good.
What inspired you to work in philanthropy?
My first real job in the nonprofit world was with a community development financial institution in Philadelphia. I got to see first hand how the funds we raised directly impacted small businesses, communities and families. The work that we did truly inspired me and helped to chart my path.
Where do you want to be in three years?
In three years, I’d like to continue the exciting work that I'm doing and explore my options for teaching the next generation of nonprofit leaders.
Do you have any advice or inspiration for other women of color in philanthropy?
This space may not have been designed with us in mind, but here we are making an impact! My advice for other women of color in philanthropy is that there is room for all of us, so it’s important to lift as we climb. Find a mentor and sponsor in the field and when you are able, be a mentor or sponsor for others. Participate in groups, like Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy, that foster a sense of community and provide resources that are unique to us. Lastly, show up and show you--in other words, be authentically you.
