We were lucky to catch up with Lora Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lora, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

At Williams Career School of Excellence (WCSE) and Treasured Protégé, we focus on serving underserved communities in Central Texas, particularly youth aging out of foster care and low-income individuals. One story that captures our mission begins with Resilience, a young woman who came to us through Treasured Protégé. We are using the name Resilience to protect the identity of the youth serve.

Resilience spent most of her childhood in foster care, never finding the stability or support she needed. When she turned 18, she aged out of the system, like many others, with no safety net or guidance. Facing homelessness and uncertainty, she was overwhelmed by the challenges of adulthood. Sadly, this is the reality for many foster youth, as over 20% become homeless upon aging out in Texas. This community, often forgotten, faces significant barriers, and their future often seems bleak without intervention.

Treasured Protégé exists to break this cycle. We welcomed Resilience into our transitional housing program, giving her a safe space and the opportunity to start anew. Through our mentorship and life-skills training, she is learning to manage her finances, apply for college, and set personal goals.

Our programs are not just about education; they’re about providing hope and a future for young people like Resilience. The foster youth community we serve is often overlooked, but with access to mentorship, education, and housing, lives can be transformed. Resilience is now thriving—she’s in college, working, and pursuing her dreams.

This story highlights the profound need for our work and how critical it is to serve this underserved community. At WCSE and Treasured Protégé, we’re empowering individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty and rewrite their stories.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Lora Williams, R.N., and my passion for adult education and workforce development stems from my own experiences. I began my healthcare journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) at just 16 years old in San Marcos, Texas. That certification opened doors that enabled my husband, Cedric, and me to break the cycle of poverty.

I have authored six books: Woman Arise (2014), Renewed (2015), Passionately Pursued by Love (2017), I Believe You, Little One (2017), Thrive Where You Have Been Planted (2021), and Ma’dea’s Treasure Box (2022), all with a faith-based focus to encourage and equip individuals of all ages in their personal journeys.

My childhood in foster care exposed me to early trauma, which led to a difficult and turbulent adolescence. Those experiences, though painful, fueled my desire to create safety and stability for others through relationships, provision, and housing.

This vision inspired Cedric and me to co-found Treasured Protégé, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and young adults. What began as a scholarship and mentorship program has expanded to provide housing support for youth aging out of foster care. We focus on three core areas: Education, Mentorship, and Housing, offering vital resources to help individuals and families thrive.

Alongside our nonprofit work, we also founded Williams Career School of Excellence (WCSE), which equips people with the skills, tools, and support needed to escape poverty and build sustainable futures in high-demand fields.

Through Treasured Protégé and WCSE, I’m committed to creating pathways for transformation and opportunities that lead to lasting change.

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

What helped me build my reputation in the market has been my long history in the healthcare industry and my dedication as an entry-level employee early in my career. The relationships I built with previous supervisors and co-workers have been crucial in establishing a strong foundation. They came to know me, understand my heart for serving others, and recognize my commitment to doing even the small things with excellence. This reputation for integrity and service has carried forward throughout my journey.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

During COVID, I pivoted my consulting company to provide services for schools that weren’t equipped to offer online training for programs like CNA. This shift allowed me to support small businesses and meet some incredible business owners, helping them adapt during a challenging time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mywcse.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mywcse/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ttprotege501c3
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lora-williams-rn-founder-0b6ab05/
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/mywcse