Featuring Michele Williers - Executive Director of PEAK Parent Center
Michele Williers is the Executive Director of PEAK Parent Center, a Colorado-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering families of children with disabilities. With over 28 years of experience in community development and youth services, she is a passionate advocate for inclusive education, family engagement, and systems change. Her leadership is deeply informed by both professional expertise and personal experience as a parent navigating the complexities of special education and disability support systems.
Williers earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Political Science from the University of Tampa in 1994 and later completed a nonprofit management certificate through the university’s MBA program. Her early career was shaped by a commitment to social justice and youth empowerment, leading her to dedicate 22 years to the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) network. As a mother of a child born prematurely who experiences both vision and hearing loss, Williers brings a profound understanding of the challenges faced by families of children with disabilities.
At PEAK Parent Center, Williers leads initiatives that support families in navigating educational and disability systems. Her previous role as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of BBBS of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties saw the agency grow from serving approximately 100 youth to over 4,100 by 2019. She expanded the staff from one to 22 employees and increased revenue from $600,000 to $2.4 million. Williers is known for her collaborative leadership style, building partnerships across sectors to drive systemic change.
Williers has led national campaigns to raise awareness about mentoring and youth development, including a 2011–2012 Ad Council campaign. She has spoken alongside leaders such as U.S. Senator Cory Booker and NBC’s Kate Snow, and participated in events like the Newark Peace Summit with the Dalai Lama. Her advocacy extends to lecturing at universities on topics like public policy and juvenile justice, and co-authoring research on the impact of mentoring on childhood trauma.
Beyond her primary roles, Williers has served on the Board of Directors for Summit Speech School and held leadership positions with the Montclair Special Education Parent Advisory Council. She was recognized with the United Way “Legends” Award in 2015 and selected for the American Express Nonprofit Leadership Academy. In 2019, she joined Leadership New Jersey, a fellowship focused on cross-sector solutions to public policy challenges.
Williers believes in the power of lived experience to inform advocacy and leadership. Her vision includes creating inclusive systems that honor the voices of families and individuals with disabilities. She aims to inspire future generations to engage in community empowerment and systemic change, ensuring that all children have access to equitable opportunities.
Michele Williers's legacy is marked by transformative growth in the organizations she has led and the lives she has touched. Her work continues to inspire families, educators, and advocates to pursue inclusive practices and policies that support individuals with disabilities. Through her leadership at PEAK Parent Center, she remains a steadfast champion for equity and empowerment.