Ms. Williams is recognized for her servant leadership as a district governor for Rotary International, a position she was appointed to in 2021.
LITHIA, FL, September 22, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Deborah L. Williams with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Ms. Williams celebrates many years' experience in her professional network, and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes she has accrued in her field. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Ms. Williams is recognized for her servant leadership as a district governor for Rotary International, a position she was appointed to in 2021. Affiliated with the service organization for more than 15 years, she has been noted as the first minority female to serve in her position for District 6890, which is located in Central Florida. Ms. Williams' dedication and service comes after serving over 27 years in the U.S. Army as a military intelligence officer and installation commander until 2005.
In her latest position as a district governor, Ms. Williams has worked hard to serve as a role model to young minority females and as a mentor to others throughout the community. She also constantly finds new and innovative ways to recruit club members. Additionally, Ms. Williams strives to uphold the organization's mission, which engages all members to actively contribute to their community by serving others, promoting integrity, and advancing the fellowship of area businesses, professionals, and leaders.
Ms. Williams joined Rotary International in 2007 and rose to become president of its Bloomingdale-FishHawk Rotary Club between 2009 and 2010 before merging with the Rotary Club of Riverview. She has since served as a service project chair and as the immediate past district governor. Grateful for her distinguished tenure with the organization, Ms. Williams enjoys bringing together fellow Rotarians, interacting with them, and celebrating their accomplishments.
Besides her extensive military and service background, Ms. Williams has succeeded as the owner of Bellafia Chocolate Boutique and in district sales at Jewels by Park Lane Inc.
As a dedicated civil advocate, Ms. Williams has also been affiliated with the Paul Harris Society as a fellow and significant donor. She has also been active with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, the Winthrop and Bloomingdale Area Council, and Rivers of Life.
Ms. Williams graduated with a bachelor's degree in law enforcement and corrections from Pennsylvania State University in 1974, a master's degree in administration of criminal justice from the University of Pittsburgh in 1981, and a second master's degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 1993. She also received credentials through the Rotary Leadership Institute in 2015.
Adding to her expertise, Ms. Williams has been a member of the Black Women Business Owners, Executives, and Entrepreneurs. As a veteran of the U.S. Army, she has also been active with the Military Women's Corps in Washington, D.C., the Military Intelligence Corps Association, and the Military Officers Association of America. Ms. Williams also remains a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. member for more than 50 years.
Highlighting her accomplishments, Ms. Williams was featured in a 2021 article in the Osprey Observer and was named as the Assistant Governor of the Year by Rotary International for 2018-2019. She was previously recognized as the Businesswoman of the Year by the Black Women Business Owners, Executives, and Entrepreneurs and as the Rotarian of the Year by the Rotary Club of FishHawk-Riverview, District 6890, Rotary International. For her service in the military, Ms. Williams was decorated with a Legion of Merit by the U.S. Army.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Marquis celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2023, and Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
# # #