About Us

About J Smiles Empowerment®

J Smiles Empowerment® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to supporting girls and young women in developing secure identities, a growth-oriented mindset, decision-making capacity, self-regulation, and values-based leadership that prepares them to thrive academically and beyond.

We believe leadership does not begin with performance or pressure. It begins with identity. Through intentional, structured experiences, students strengthen self-awareness, emotional intelligence, a growth mindset, and values that support academic success and life readiness.

“We don’t fix students. We form leaders.”
– Dr. Jami L. Williams

Our Approach

J Smiles Empowerment partners with schools, community organizations, and youth-serving agencies to deliver structured leadership development experiences grounded in research-informed practices.

Our work is guided by the SHE Leaders® Framework™

The SHE Leaders Framework is J Smiles Empowerment’s identity-based leadership model designed to support whole-child development and help young people grow from internal confidence to purposeful leadership. Rather than starting with titles or positions, we focus on building the foundation of who a leader is from the inside out — developing the social, emotional, cognitive, and character strengths that enable students to thrive across all areas of life.

The framework guides participants through three developmental stages:

Secure — Building identity, self-worth, emotional awareness, and confidence
Heuristic — Strengthening critical thinking, decision-making, voice, and independence
Ethos — Developing character, responsibility, and values-driven leadership

Together, these stages equip youth with the skills, mindset, and self-understanding needed to lead themselves and positively influence others in school, at home, and in their communities while supporting their overall academic, social, and personal development.

Meet the Founder

Dr. Jami L. Williams is the Visionary Founder and CEO of J Smiles Empowerment®, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to developing identity-driven leaders through the SHE Leaders® Framework™.

With more than 20 years of experience in youth development, identity formation, organizational leadership, and social-emotional learning, she is deeply committed to transforming the next generation of leaders from the inside out.

Inspired by her own struggles with self-doubt as a teen and young adult, Dr. Williams pursued education as a tool for healing, growth, and change. She earned advanced degrees in Human Services (Springfield College), Business Administration (Albertus Magnus), and Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (Southern Connecticut State University). Her doctoral research examined how social-emotional competence influences first-year college success and focused on developing strategies that help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Dr. Williams believes leadership is not inborn, it is developed. With intentional guidance, students can build secure identity, strengthen emotional intelligence, cultivate a growth mindset, and lead with integrity and purpose. Her proprietary SHE Leaders® Framework™ reflects this belief, guiding students through identity, self-awareness, emotional wisdom, and values-driven decision-making.

Her assignment is deeply personal and spiritually grounded:

“When the Lord calls me home, I want to be completely empty, having poured out all of the wisdom and knowledge I’ve gained into the next generation of SHE Leaders®.” — Dr. Jami L. Williams

Through her leadership, J Smiles Empowerment® continues to equip youth and young adults with the tools to navigate life with clarity, resilience, and purpose. Becoming leaders who know who they are and who they are called to be.

Governance & Leadership

J Smiles Empowerment, Inc.® is guided by an engaged Board of Directors who provide governance, oversight, and strategic guidance in support of the organization’s mission and long-term impact.

Board of Directors

Shanequa Sturgis-Nash, EdD

Board President | Common Ground High School

Dr. Shanequa Sturgis-Nash serves as Assistant School Director at Common Ground High School and brings over 20 years of experience advancing college and career readiness for students of color. Through innovative curriculum design and academic leadership, she creates pathways that expand exposure and build social capital for Black and Brown students. Her belief that exposure creates opportunity and that every student deserves a clear path to success deeply aligns with the leadership and identity-centered mission of J Smiles Empowerment.

Ashon Avent, MBA

Board Vice President | ECSU | Main Avent Sports & Apparel

Ashon Avent serves as a Professor at Eastern Connecticut State University and as Chief Vision Officer of Main Avent Sports & Apparel. With experience in higher education, strategic marketing, and college and career development, he understands how vision turns into action. His insight into leadership, innovation, and student success strengthens our commitment to developing confident, purpose-driven young people.

Wynter Hawkins, CPA

Board Treasurer | MGM Springfield

Wynter Hawkins serves as Executive Director of Finance at MGM Springfield, bringing extensive experience in finance, auditing, and internal controls. With nearly two decades of progressive leadership roles in financial management across corporate sectors, she offers deep expertise in fiscal oversight, compliance, and strategic financial planning. Her background in accounting and finance strengthens J Smiles Empowerment’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth.

Millicent Meadows, MA

Board Development Director | U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Millicent Meadows serves as a Grants Management Officer with the U.S. Small Business Administration and brings over 20 years of experience in grants management and compliance. She has reviewed and overseen proposals across federal, municipal, and nonprofit sectors, including housing, youth, and senior programs. Her expertise in funding strategy, oversight, and compliance strengthens J Smiles Empowerment’s ability to grow with integrity and sustainability.

Jakyira Jacobs, BA

Board Secretary | Connecticut Department of Children and Families

Jakyira Jacobs currently serves as a Social Worker with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, where she is deeply committed to supporting and empowering families to ensure the safety and well-being of children. Previously, she worked with the Town of Windsor’s Youth Services Bureau, where she led youth programs, mentored teens, and guided young people through community-based initiatives and workforce development experiences. Her hands-on experience with youth and her heart for service make her a compassionate and purpose-driven voice on the J Smiles Empowerment board.