December 04, 2015

Student honored for commitment to educational equity

In recognition of her outstanding commitment to educational equity, Charlene Williams—who is currently completing her doctorate work in educational leadership—was honored by the Urban League of Portland at the 2014 Equal Opportunity Awards Day Dinner.

In recognition of her outstanding commitment to educational equity, Charlene Williams—who is currently completing her doctorate work in educational leadership—was honored by the Urban League of Portland at the 2014 Equal Opportunity Awards Day Dinner.

This annual event recognizes local leaders who have advanced the Urban League’s mission of empowering African Americans and other marginalized Oregonians to achieve equality in education, employment, and economic security.

For more than 15 years, Williams has held a variety of teaching and administrative positions in both private and public schools. In 2009, she was named principal of North Portland’s Roosevelt High School, where a highly diverse student body has historically struggled to attain academic success. During her time there, Williams led Roosevelt to acquisition of $7.7 million in federal support and positive results include an improved graduation rate and heightened standardized test scores.

Katrina Staaf ’16 contributed to this story.

Educational Leadership