The Who’s Who at DCH: Community Engagement Manager, Kristen Williams
DCH is comprised of individuals whose talent, commitment to equity and sustainability, and drive is, we think, unparalleled in Dallas. We are so fortunate to be able to support young leaders in their journey of professional development through programs across Dallas and the nation. DCH values the investment that our team makes into the organization, so in turn we invest in the development of our staff.
We have been privileged to have started working with Kristen Williams while she was a graduate student at University of Texas at Arlington, studying Real Estate Finance. A DeSoto and Cedar Hill native, her love of the Dallas metropolis and passion for its community solidified when she began studying real estate at Baylor University. During her time at Baylor, she was President of the NAACP Chapter and her leadership aptitude was obvious to leaders at DCH. DCH was the perfect balance between community and real estate being a nonprofit real estate development organization.
In the last years, we have had even more to recognize and celebrate with Kristen Williams. In 2024, she completed the Engage Dallas Leadership Program was accepted into the Emerging Leader in Philanthropy Program, which she will complete in 2025. These are such prestigious programs that we want to highlight their impact in Dallas and how we benefit from her dedication to leadership.
Congratulations on the Completion of Engage Dallas Leadership Program
Williams joined the prestigious ranks of the 11th Cohort, a group of young leaders committed to making a more profound impact in Dallas County. Through her participation in Engage Dallas, Williams gained new knowledge about the city’s history, strengthened her professional network, and honed her leadership skills to tackle challenges that arise in her work. Kristen is dedicated to fostering community development and driving change—a mission that resonates deeply with the core values of DCH.
About Engage Dallas
The Engage Dallas program is a leadership initiative that activates and empowers leaders across Dallas County. Established in 2012 as the Mayor’s Star Council by Trey Bowles and former Mayor Mike Rawlings, the program is tailored for leaders aged 25 to 40 who are already making a difference in the Dallas area. Its mission is to bridge economic and cultural divides, promote civic engagement, and cultivate a network of informed, effective leaders passionate about serving the community.
Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy 2025
In 2025, Kristen will complete the Communities Foundation of Texas Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy Program (ELP). This is another opportunity that connects her with fellow corporate and nonprofit employees in the North Texas area. The ELP program is designed as a comprehensive training and networking initiative for individuals aged 25 to 40 who work in corporate and nonprofit sectors. Acceptance into this program is an honor and achievement.
About ELP
Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy participants will gain insights into the Communities Foundation of Texas's focus areas for philanthropy, one of the most prestigious organizations in Texas, learn from established foundations and corporations, and explore key community touchpoints for future impact. Throughout the program, the cohort will get hands-on experience interacting with nonprofits, collaborating on funding allocations, and planning for their charitable giving (where applicable), equipping them to make the most informed and meaningful contributions to their community and organization.
How Education Enriches Leadership
Completing continuing education programs speaks to the commitment of both Williams and DCH to leadership growth and community betterment. These programs not only provide practical skill-building but also introduce:
Knowledge: A deeper understanding of Dallas’s rich history and civic systems.
Connections: Inclusion in a group of like-minded leaders united by a passion for serving and supporting each other long after the program ends.
Williams advances the DCH mission to advocate for equitable and affordable housing and create opportunities for community enrichment through her participation in these programs.
A New Chapter of Leadership
We cannot wait to see how Kristen Williams continues to contribute to the betterment of Dallas and DCH and inspire others toward sustainable housing solutions and community-building initiatives. Did we also mention she’s a food and music connoisseur with a vinyl collection and with a passion for women’s empowerment? Congratulations to our exceptional Community Engagement Manager, Kristen Williams!