Daniel Williams
Biography
A leader in education and equity-centered design, Daniel works to advance justice through education and community engagement. He believes deeply in the innate brilliance of community and the importance of centering the voices of those so often ignored. Through his work as President + CEO of the Steelcase Foundation, Daniel has led the revision of the Foundation’s giving strategies to uplift community voice and provide more intentional support for partners while leveraging the Foundation’s influence and expertise to drive and support larger-scale social change. Prior to his role at Steelcase Foundation, Daniel led the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology where he worked towards equity and innovation, and was co-founder and principal of Grand Rapids University Prep Academy.
Daniel’s community work around racial equity and opportunity continues to drive him in philanthropy and in his work throughout community. In 2020, he was elected to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for Grand Rapids Community College. In 2018, he was appointed by then-Governor Rick Snyder to join the Michigan Consortium of Advanced Networks, and in 2019, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed him as vice-chairperson of the MI-STEM Council. He has been recognized with the Trust Award from the Better Business Bureau of West Michigan, is a three time 40 under 40 recipient, was named the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 under 40 Distinguished Alumni, and was honored with the Phyllis Scott Activist Award by the Woodrick Center for Diversity at Grand Rapids Community College. Daniel has an EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University, an MEd in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University, and a BA from University of Iowa.
Daniel’s community work around racial equity and opportunity continues to drive him in philanthropy and in his work throughout community. In 2020, he was elected to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for Grand Rapids Community College. In 2018, he was appointed by then-Governor Rick Snyder to join the Michigan Consortium of Advanced Networks, and in 2019, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed him as vice-chairperson of the MI-STEM Council. He has been recognized with the Trust Award from the Better Business Bureau of West Michigan, is a three time 40 under 40 recipient, was named the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 under 40 Distinguished Alumni, and was honored with the Phyllis Scott Activist Award by the Woodrick Center for Diversity at Grand Rapids Community College. Daniel has an EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University, an MEd in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University, and a BA from University of Iowa.