The Board of Directors of Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness today announced the appointment of Shanell Williams as the organization’s next Executive Director, following a comprehensive national search.
“This is an instrumental time for Rafiki,” said Lisa Williams, Board Treasurer and Executive Director of Soul of Pride. “Shanell’s proven leadership and unwavering commitment to community health is key to our work to shape a San Francisco and a Bay Area where Black communities have a fair and just opportunity to reach their best health and wellbeing. We are thrilled to have Shanell lead the organization into its next decade of service and advocacy.”
With over 20 years of experience, Williams has positively impacted thousands of San Franciscans through her work as a public health advocate, nonprofit leader, and community organizer. Her extensive background includes mentoring youth caught in cycles of incarceration, playing a pivotal role in saving City College from near closure, and tirelessly working to enhance the quality of life for all San Franciscans.
“I am proud to continue supporting Rafiki Coalition’s work under the leadership of newly appointed Executive Director, Shanell Williams,” said San Francisco Supervisor Shamann Walton, District 10. “Strong advocates are essential in breaking down the barriers to health. Too often, we see health disparities impacting our community, and I’m excited to keep pushing this important work forward.”
Williams has held significant roles with various nonprofit organizations and labor groups focused on serving marginalized and low-income communities, including the Young Women’s Freedom Center, Youth Leadership Institute, UNITE HERE Local 2, Jobs with Justice SF, and Urban Services YMCA. In addition, she has served as the Chair of the Our City, Our Home (Prop C) Oversight Committee, the Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships for the California Preterm Birth Initiative at UCSF, and the President of the Board of Trustees at City College of San Francisco.
“San Francisco Foundation is proud to support the Rafiki Coalition and their work to provide critical health and wellness services to our city’s Black communities and communities of color,” said Eduardo Gonzalez, Program Officer at the San Francisco Foundation. “Shanell’s leadership will be crucial in building on the momentum and history of the organization, and to further advance racial justice in the city. Her expertise in health and public policy, as well as her personal connection to the work and the community, pave the way for an exciting new chapter for the organization.”
Since 1986, Rafiki has been a cornerstone of community-centered health for San Francisco’s Black population. Today, Rafiki provides a range of services designed to address the growing and urgent needs of Black community members, reaching thousands with holistic health care, wellness programs, and initiatives that celebrate Black culture.
“The health and wellbeing of our city depends on addressing the systemic injustices that have kept Black communities and communities of color from thriving,” said Malcom John, Director, HIV/AIDS Program at UCSF. “Through her roles in education, health, and policy, Shanell deeply understands what our communities need today, and into the future, and how to make Rafiki part of the solution. I look forward to partnering with her and Rafiki in the years ahead. Our community is fortunate to have her leadership.”
Williams has been serving as Rafiki’s Interim Executive Director for the past year. In that time, she worked in partnership with the board, staff, and community to strengthen Rafiki’s organizational capacity and programs; secured 5000 3rd Street to launch the UMOJA Health Access Point for San Francisco’s Black and African communities; hosted the 13th Annual Health and Healing Summit Ujima: Cultivating Connections, Rooted in Love; and much more. Her leadership has laid the groundwork for an expanded strategic vision aimed at delivering holistic health and wellness services, health education, and policy advocacy to heal and uplift Black youth, elders, and families across San Francisco and the Bay Area.
“This role is truly the culmination of my life’s work,” said Williams. “As a native San Franciscan who has lost family to health disparities that plague the Black community, this work is personal, urgent, and vital. I am looking forward to working with our communities, partners, and city leaders to ensure that the Rafiki Coalition continues to be a leading resource to ensure the vitality, safety, and health of our communities.”
About Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness:
Since 1986, Rafiki Coalition has been a pioneer in providing health education, housing, advocacy and services to eliminate health inequities for San Francisco’s Black and marginalized communities. Through our holistic, integrated approach, we are removing barriers to health and wellness to create a vibrant and healthy San Francisco. For more information about Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness and to learn about our services, please visit https://rafikicoalition.org/.
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