New Endeavors by Women’s 2025 New Light Alumna Honoree: Sha’ron Williams

Sha'ron Williams first came to NEW in the 90s as a client, and returned this spring as an intern completing her Masters in Social Work degree at the University of the District of Columbia.

As a social work student intern, Sha'ron facilitated trainings and ran support groups for NEW clients. She says she found the experience of returning to NEW and participating in the work of helping those navigating the familiar struggles she had once experienced to be fulfilling and humbling.

“It was priceless, getting to work with those ladies and meeting with them, being able to give them some confidence. They’re my golden girls. I really want them to be successful. I want them to grow, and I constantly reiterate to them that your situation does not determine your destiny, and it doesn't define who you are. This is the beginning of a new journey.”

“Like when I came to New Endeavors, I went from being hopeless to having hope. I always believed there was light at the end of the tunnel, regardless of what my situation was. My past situation did not determine my destiny, because this is where I'm at right now. I took advantage of every opportunity that I have gotten to get to where I'm at today. It wasn't all perfect. There were struggles in between but I built a support system. I had a community base and I believed in myself. New Endeavors laid the foundation to help me build my character, my confidence, to get me reacclimated to the working world, and it gave me a new journey to life.”

Support women like Sha'ron today!