The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce will honor Dr. Marjorie Williams and her life’s work in education with the Athena Leadership Award for 2022.

Williams, a LINC Commissioner and former superintendent of the Hickman Mills School District, has given nearly 40 years in service of schools, children and teachers.

The award is named for Athena, the Greek goddess who embodies strength, courage, wisdom, and enlightenment.

The chamber’s announcement of Williams’ award includes an accounting of her work:

She started in education with teaching and administrative jobs in the Kansas City Public Schools and the Columbia and Ferguson Florissant School Districts before becoming Hickman Mills’ superintendent. She also served in higher education as an Adjunct Professor with UMKC, Baker University, Ottawa University, and Kansas State University.

Williams currently serves as a National Professional Development trainer for Black History 365 and as a Community Advocate for CommunityAmerica Credit Union’s Peace of Mind Center. In 2012, she founded The Marste Group, a consulting firm that serves school districts and businesses nationwide.

In addition to her role as LINC Commissioner, Williams has recently co-moderated a series of community listening sessions as Kansas Citians gave their thoughts and ideas on the next Chief of Police. She was honored by the Jackson County Monument of Freedom at the Leon Jordan Memorial Park for her work in the community. Her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, presented her the Frankie Muse Freeman award for Civil Rights Activism and Making a Difference.

She is also a regular volunteer visiting with children in Genesis School’s Project Sankofa.

Williams is a Kauffman Fellow and can be heard weekly on the “PTK Report with Dr. Marj (Parents, Teachers, Kids Report)” on the Carter Broadcast Group stations KPRT 1590 AM/106.1FM.

The chamber will honor Williams, along with the Athena Young Professional Leadership Award honoree Pooja Shah, at the 2022 Athena Awards Reception Oct. 6.