About Us

About J Smiles Empowerment®

J Smiles Empowerment® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports girls and young women in developing a secure identity, emotional intelligence, a growth-oriented mindset, and values-based leadership so they can lead themselves and others with integrity and purpose, contributing to stronger schools and communities.

We don’t define girls and young women by what needs fixing. We see them through their capacity to learn, develop, and lead. We equip them with the tools to take ownership of their choices, growth, and future through whole-person development for lifelong success.

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

Our Approach

J Smiles Empowerment® partners with schools, community organizations, and youth-serving agencies to provide identity-centered, whole-person leadership development for girls and young women. Our approach is grounded in the belief that leadership begins with identity.

Our work is guided by the SHE Leaders® Identity-Centered Leadership Framework™.

The framework connects identity, emotional intelligence, mindset, decision-making, and leadership development. Identity provides the foundation. Mindset influences how experiences are interpreted and responded to. Leadership is expressed through choices, relationships, purpose, and action.

At the heart of the framework are three identity anchors:

SECURE — “I know my worth and who I am.”
HEURISTIC — “I learn, reflect, and choose intentionally.”
ETHOS — “I live and lead according to my values.”

Development is supported through the Identity to Impact Development Model™, which progresses through Identity Foundation, Emotional Intelligence, Decision-Making, Embodied Leadership, and College, Career & Life Readiness. Growth is recursive rather than strictly linear, allowing participants to revisit and deepen these capacities as they encounter new experiences and challenges.

Our Values

Integrity: We operate with unwavering ethical principals, ensuring our actions align with our words and our promises to the young women and partners we serve.

Excellence: We are committed to the highest standards of quality in our curriculum, delivery, and relationship. We do not settle for "good enough" when "transformative" is possible.

Authority: We ground our work in deep expertise, scholarly research, and proven practices. We lead from a place of credible knowledge and lived experience.

Authenticity: We create spaces where everyone, participants and partners alike, can show up as their true selves. We believe real is more powerful than perfect.

Accountability: We take ownership of our commitments and our impact. We teach young leaders to do the same, fostering a culture of responsibilty for one's choices and actions.

Service: We are fundamentally mission-driven. Our work is an act of service to the next generation, aimed at equipping them with the internal tools they need to build successful and fulling lives.

Meet the Founder

Dr. Jami L. Williams is the Visionary Founder and CEO of J Smiles Empowerment®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to identity-centered, whole-person leadership development for girls and young women through the SHE Leaders® Identity-Centered Leadership Framework™.

With more than 20 years of cross-sector experience in state service, corporate, nonprofit, and education, Dr. Williams brings a unique perspective to identity, leadership, and whole-person development. Her work is informed by scholarship as well as professional and lived experiences, with leadership woven throughout her career.

A survivor of her own inner critic, Dr. Williams knows what it means to navigate self-doubt and learn to amplify the voice of the inner coach instead. Her journey of growth, together with her commitment to understanding human development and leadership, informs the work she does today with girls and young women. Education has also been an important part of her personal and professional development. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Springfield College, an MBA from Albertus Magnus College, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from Southern Connecticut State University. She also holds a Certificate in Advanced Women’s Studies. Her doctoral research examined the relationship between social-emotional competencies and first-year college preparedness.

Dr. Williams believes leadership begins with identity. Through intentional development, girls and young women can strengthen their sense of self, emotional intelligence, decision-making, and capacity to lead themselves and others with integrity and purpose. Her proprietary SHE Leaders® Identity-Centered Leadership Framework™ reflects this belief and supports the development of the internal and relational capacities young women need to navigate school, work, relationships, community, and life.

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 girls and young women to know who they are, trust their voice, make values-aligned decisions, and lead with integrity and purpose.

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.