Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Announces Appointment of Ariana M. Williams, BSPH, MPA, As Chief of Public Health Strategy & Innovation

“Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but greatness, because greatness is determined by service.”

– Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Inc. announces the appointment of Ariana M. Williams, BSPH, MPA, as the organization’s first-ever Chief of Public Health Strategy & Innovation.

William’s journey with MLK Family Services began in 2018 as a part-time Community Health Worker, after earning her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from American International College (AIC) as a member of the program’s second graduating class. Within nine months, she was promoted to become the organization’s first Director of Public Health, where she spent three years leading initiatives that strengthened community health, public health programming, and youth development. After a brief period away, she returned in February 2023 as a Grants Consultant, helping to expand and sustain critical programs. In this new role, she steps into a historic leadership role as the organization’s first-ever Chief of Public Health Strategy & Innovation, where she will integrate public health strategies into the organization’s core mission, develop new community-driven initiatives, and strengthen strategic partnerships that advance health equity.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ariana back home to MLK Family Services to fill this inaugural role of Chief of Public Health Strategy and Innovation. This role marks a bold step forward in our commitment to advancing community health and well-being, inspired by our strategic planning process. Ariana’s passion for public health and her deep connection to our community make her an exceptional leader to integrate innovative strategies that will help us meet the evolving needs of those we serve. Together, we will continue to work toward Dr. King’s vision of creating a healthier, more equitable future for all.” shares MLKFS President & CEO, Shannon M. Rudder, MBA.

A Springfield native, Williams is also the CEO & Founder of Catalyst for Equity Consulting, where she helps nonprofits strengthen their position in the public health ecosystem by aligning with public health funding, developing evidence-based programs, and driving systemic change. She has led community-based initiatives in problem gambling prevention, gun violence prevention, food insecurity and nutrition, and mental health advocacy. In 2019, Williams led a cohort of Junior Community Health Workers, whose advocacy efforts played an instrumental role in raising the tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21 in Springfield, MA. Their work later contributed to the movement to eliminate flavored tobacco products; a tactic used by the tobacco industry to target youth.

In 2020, she co-led Springfield’s first-ever Youth Mental Health Advisory Board, “Beat the Odds,” creating a safe space and platform for young people to support one another, share lived experiences and influence mental health policies and resources. Williams earned her Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Westfield State University in 2024. She is also an adjunct professor at American International College, teaching in the same public health program she graduated from. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Rise, L.E.A.P, & Achieve Foundation Inc. and the board of Anti-Racism Community Organizers (ARCO).

Williams is committed to ensuring MLK Family Services continues to be a trusted leader in community health, advocacy, and empowerment. “Stepping into this role is not just a career milestone—it is a continuation of my purpose. MLK Family Services has played a pivotal role in my growth, both professionally and personally, and I am honored to now help shape its future. Public health is about community, and I look forward to deepening our impact, expanding critical services, and ensuring that our work remains a trusted resource for those who need it most.” – Ariana M. Williams

For inquiries, please reach out to Claudia Pazmany at cpazmany@mlkjrfs.org.