Dean's List Alumni Speaker 

Dr. Zodelia Williams, DSW, LMSW, affectionately known as Dr. Zoe, is the Founder/ Executive Director of 3 D’s Aftercare Inc, 3 D’s Empowerment Circle, LLC and 3 D’s Community Empowerment Center I & II. 

Having adopted the name Modern Day Harriet Tubman, Dr. Zoe believes that all children have the right to be free from circumstances or challenges that hinder their development. She is dedicated to encouraging children and giving them the tools to make their dreams come true. Her lived experiences with challenges and triumphs as a single parent of three are sources of motivation and inspiration. Dr. Zoe’s commitment to understanding, uplifting, equipping, and empowering others is evident through her multiple social work and public service roles. 

She is currently serving her 20th year as a NYC Department of Education Pre-K Social Worker. Additionally, she is a ABA provider for children diagnosed with autism. Her civic engagement also includes serving as the Scholarship Committee Chair for Nassau Suffolk Association of Black Social Workers; Community Liaison to the Nominating Committee of the Nassau County Child Care Council; Member of the District Attorney’s African American Advisory Council; The Island Harvest Closing the Gap Food Council and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Zoe celebrated the opening of 3 D’s Empowerment Center I & II in Baldwin, NY. The Centers are designed to empower children through programs that promote higher self-esteem, a greater sense of self-worth and an understanding of responsibility. The Center provides STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) initiatives, afterschool services that are open until midnight, summer camp, ESL classes, workshops and community programming. Dr. Zoe developed signature programs such as The Teen Parents that Rocks, Teen Café, Middle School Mingle, Aged Like Fine Wine 55+ Club, to meet the needs of community members. Family-style meals, life skills training, social emotional learning, conflict resolution, mental health counseling, peer mentoring and cultural enrichment are essential program components. 

Dr. Zoe has been recognized for her humanitarian service and innovation by several organizations. Most notably, she is currently featured on all of the Nice Busses in Nassau County as one of their Black History African American Heroes, she was recently featured in the February, 2021 issue of the Newsday as one of the African Americans leading the way, she is featured in the March issue of Capella University magazine, she was named the 2019 Person of the Year by the Baldwin Herald, a community-based publication and she received the woman of distinction public and community service award and she received the Black Woman That Rocks award.