We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dale Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dale, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Sometimes in life, things touch you deeply and transform how you see the world. I took what seemed to others to be a very small thing and turned it into something big. I saw an opportunity to provide a unique leadership experience to a targeted group of individuals that represent as the official King and Queen at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In 1989, while in high school I attended a local football game between two of the largest HBCUs in my area, this was a big game that the city and community always support. While at the game, the Southern Heritage Classic (Tennessee State University versus Jackson State University), I observed a young lady on the field with a crown waving to the crowd of people. It was my first time seeing an HBCU queen and that image stayed in my head. Little did I know, I too, would be at that same game just three years later, walking that same field as, the Queen, Miss Tennessee State University waving to the people.
As a former campus queen, queen/king advisor, and student activities practitioner at several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), I have devoted a lot of time to the leadership development of campus royalty. In 2002, I created a conference specifically for HBCU Queens. Three years later, I partnered with a colleague and added HBCU Kings. Together, we host the HBCU Kings and Queens Conference annually. The conference aims to bring HBCU royalty together for leadership training, business etiquette, peer networking, and professional development. Twenty years later colleges and universities still entrust our organization to provide this unique experience to their student leaders. Ultimately, we expanded the conference to a nonprofit organization called Leadership for Queens to support HBCU Kings and Queens year-round.
My experience of being ab HBCU queen created a space for me to share the significance of HBCU Kings and Queens on multiple platforms. Most people do not know the historical significance of HBCU Kings and Queens and the role they have traditionally played in the upliftment of the African American community, especially when it comes to recruitment and leadership. Most people are not privy to the HBCU Queen being the only “Miss” title founded on a college campus. Thus, this conference and organization seek to protect and maintain the tradition, leadership, and integrity of these positions so that the persons serving in these roles understand the historical significance. As a result, this is the only leadership conference of its kind, This is something for which I am truly proud and this had become one of my greatest missions.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Dr. Dale Williams is the founder of Leadership for Queens, a nonprofit organization for HBCU Kings and Queens and the chief organizer for the HBCU Kings & Queens conference, a leadership conference for Historically Black University and College (HBCU) kings and queens. She has organized and conducted the conference annually for HBCU kings and queens for over 20 years. Having more than 20 years of experience in higher education, currently, Dale is the Director of the Academic Advising Center at the University of Memphis. She is a sought-after trainer and speaker who has also worked at many HBCUs in various capacities. Dale’s leadership aspirations began early as she was not only queen of her high school (Hamilton) in Memphis, TN, but also Miss Tennessee State University (TSU) 1992-93. Dale has judged and worked with various pageants, served as a motivational keynote speaker, and conducted numerous leadership workshops at various universities, conferences, and community events. She believes that those who walk in such positions as the HBCU king or queen have the perfect opportunity to profoundly impact others. In 2018, Dale was recognized by Ebony Magazine Power 100, as a People’s Choice Nominee for her work with the HBCU Kings & Queens Conference, Dale is a member of community/public service organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Junior League of Memphis, and TSU Alumni Association. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communication and Theatre and a Master of Arts in English from Tennessee State University. She also has a graduate certificate in African American Literature and Ph.D. in English, Literary and Cultural Studies, from the University of Memphis. She thoroughly enjoys helping young men and women reach their goals and realize their full potential. Dale enjoys giving back to her community.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Although you can have a great idea of the concept, you may not know all the logistics when it comes to execution. One of the biggest challenges was getting into the nonprofit world and learning to fundraise. I still have to work on this for the betterment of the organization but I sometimes find it very difficult.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputation gradually strengthened through workshop presentations, client referrals, volunteerism, and professional networking. My reputation also evolved through research, as I tried to ensure that I am well-versed and knowledgeable of the historical significance of the business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hbcukingsandqueens.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hbcukingsandqueens/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HBCUKingsandQueens/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HBCUKNQ
• Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/HBCUKingsandQueens/