Dionne Williams, MPA

Degree(s): Environmental Biology

Professional background, interests and expertise: I have served the City of Denver since 2007, working in multiple agencies.  I spent time with the Treasury Division working as a cash management and operations manager, the Department of Public Works as a financial management analyst, the Parks and Recreation department as a business analyst, and the General Services department as the Director of Strategic Initiatives which was dedicated to citywide sustainability efforts for city employees and assets.  I've also had the opportunity to serve as a Lean Process Improvement liaison and trainer with the City's Peak Academy, which focuses on continuous improvement and efficiency to better serve constituents and develop employee skills.  Some of the work I've enjoyed the most has been participating on the Mayor's task force to implement retail marijuana sales in 2013, and continued work on marijuana policy since then.

I currently work in the Office of Children's Affairs, which is focused on improving outcomes for all of Denver's children through numerous programs from birth up to age 24.  We provide assistance and funding to non-profit partners, school programs, and other services which align with the Mayor's goals for children, and we oversee the Children's Cabinet which brings together more than 20 City agencies that impact children.  In my role I have the privilege of overseeing Denver's Head Start preschool program, the state funded Healthy Meals programs, and the nationally recognized Five by Five cultural program.  And finally, I get to work on one of my favorite programs offered by the City, the MY Denver card.  MY Denver gives ALL Denver kids free access to recreation centers, pools, libraries, cultural facilities, and other venues, and I enjoy administering this program every day.

Hours available for mentoring per month: 10-15

Best professional advice: Working for the government at any level can be both exciting and daunting, but it is something which I find challenging and immensely rewarding.  I enjoy serving citizens every day, and I especially love having a direct impact on the city I live in as part of my every day job.  If you are interested in working in this field, I would recommend becoming as involved as you can wherever you live, and learning as much as you can about how your city or state is organized.  Developing political skills and building relationships are also key to having a successful career in the public sector.