Lisa G. Williams is an award-winning diversity strategist who shifted into this work after more than a decade as a civil rights litigator. She is the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within Northwestern University’s Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) department. Lisa works in collaboration with staff of every organizational level on a holistic diversity plan that broadens access to and through the department, optimizes the work environment, and comprehensively integrates DEI into business goals.

Lisa arrived at ARD in September 2021 after more than a decade with the State of Illinois launching diversity programs. Prior to that, she spent six years representing the People of the State of Illinois as an Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Bureau. She has presented diversity webinars hosted by the San Francisco Giants, the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, and the Center for Elder and Disability Law, and has been cited in national publications including Crain’s Chicago Business. She is delighted to partner with ARD’s talented staff.