Have you ever experienced the warmth and fulfillment of being with someone who makes you feel truly seen and appreciated? Someone whose presence evokes memories of cherished moments spent with loved ones. That’s precisely how I felt during my brief yet profound encounter with the remarkable Venice Williams.

Williams describes herself as a “cultural and spiritual midwife, dedicated to helping people birth their innate potential.” Her decades-long commitment to Milwaukee has birthed rites of passage programs and supported initiatives for teenage girls and Black boys; her impact has been profound and far-reaching. As the Executive Director of The Table, a vibrant community hub at 54th & Capitol, she continues to foster collaboration and empowerment among diverse stakeholders.

A plethora of programs and services thrive under William’s guidance at The Table, which is housed in the former home of Capitol Drive Lutheran Church. From Herbs and Lather Hand Crafted to Full Circle Healing Farm, each initiative reflects her unwavering dedication to holistic well-being and community empowerment. But her influence extends beyond physical spaces. Whether tending to the soil at Alice’s Garden or sharing her knowledge at Fondy’s Market, she embodies the essence of servant leadership, enriching the lives of those around her with love, wisdom, and sustenance.

In Williams, we find a true servant of the community—a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her words resonate deeply: “Everything we need was given to us when the creator made us; we’re carrying it. We just need the environments, brave spaces, spaces of encouragement and nourishment to help us birth what’s already in us.”

As I reflect on my encounter with Williams, I am reminded of the profound impact one person can have on a community.