Our Team
Dr. David J. Williams, Jr.
Founder and Executive Director
Dr. David J. Williams, Jr. is an esteemed educator based in Orangeburg, SC, renowned for his unwavering commitment to nurturing student success. Originating from Bennettsville, SC, David has devoted his career to advancing the achievements of students facing educational disparities while advocating for equitable access to high-quality education. His academic journey commenced at Marlboro County High School, culminating in acquiring a Bachelor's and Master's degree from South Carolina State University. In Fall 2023, David achieved the pinnacle of his educational pursuit by successfully defending his dissertation in Curriculum and Instruction, earning a Doctorate from Liberty University.
Throughout his professional trajectory, David has held diverse leadership roles, channeling his passion into serving the community through impactful educational and social justice initiatives. He takes pride in his affiliations with esteemed organizations such as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Golden Key Honor Society, and Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society. Widely recognized as a public speaker in the community, David has been honored as an Orangeburg County Juneteenth 40 under 40 recipient and has received acclaim as a former Teacher of the Year. In addition, he was recently announced as a South Carolina State University 40 Under 40 Recipient. Actively contributing his expertise, he furthers the mission of the Orangeburg County First Steps Board of Directors to enrich educational opportunities.
Beyond his noteworthy contributions to education, David is the visionary founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization Why Not Young Lives (WNYL). Established in July 2020, WNYL is resolutely dedicated to catalyzing positive change through a multifaceted approach encompassing education, mentoring, community service, and mental health awareness. At the heart of WNYL's mission lies the empowerment of young adolescents, instilling the belief that their aspirations are within reach through perseverance. The organization is committed to sparking transformative change across South Carolina by providing educational resources and nurturing scholastic growth. WNYL's initiatives encompass a spectrum of impactful programs, including a summer academy for local youth, community drives, scholarships, college student care packages, mentoring groups, and monthly community events.
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/david.williamsjr.3?ref=bookmarks
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/david-williams-m-ed-378a50189
David J. Williams, Sr.
Senior Advisor
Mr. David J Williams Sr., U.S. Army Retired...I served in the U.S. Army from Sept 14, 1988- July 01, 2014. Over my 25 year career, my assignments include Fulda, Germany (11TH ACR), Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo (B/3-10Th Inf Regt), Heidelberg, Germany (43RD Sig BN), Ft. Benning, Ga ( B/ 2-47TH Inf Regt), Ft. Lee, Va. (49TH QM Grp), Camp Jackson, Korea (8TH Army NCO Academy), Ft. Bragg, NC (16TH MP BDE). Military achievements include, Graduate of the U.S. Army Logistics Management College, the U.S. Army Basic and Advanced NCO Courses, the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy, the U.S. Army Master Fitness School, the U.S. Army Equal Opportunity Representative Course, the U.S. Army Contracting Officers Course and the Marine Coros NCO Basic Nonresident Program. Awards and Decorations include the Meritorious Service Medel (3 ea), the Army Commendation Medal (6ea), the Army Achievement Medal (10ea), Good Conduct Medal (8ea), the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Badge, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Over my 25 year career, I've deployed six times, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom (2 tours) and Operation Enduring Freedom/Afghanistan (3 tours). Since my retirement in 2014, I've dedicated my time and I've made it my mission to support and give back to the community through volunteering and mentorship.
Touray Beaton, Jr. MA
Mental Health Coordinator
Being born and raised in the Lowcountry of South Carolina has been rewarding. It’s taught me to cherish my roots, heritage, family, friends, and last but not least, my mental health. Being reared in Ridgeland in Jasper County, SC, I’m a graduate of Ridgeland High School Class of 2011. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a graduate of South Carolina State University two times! I have a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Masters of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling. I’ve always had a passion for being a listening ear and making individuals feel comfortable about being able to express themselves to help reframe their mindset. I’m currently employed with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health in Orangeburg, South Carolina where I’m a Human Service Coordinator/Mental Health Professional working in the department of Child, Adolescent and Family services. Working with our youth as a School Based Therapist and exploring ways to support them in their recovery with mental illness is an ongoing challenge that I look forward to conquering every day when I step through those days. I’m a firm believe that we all deserve to be at peace with ourselves and it’s been a blessing to be able to work in the field. I enjoy spending time with my family, my friends, as well as fishing and crabbing like the Lowcountry boy I am. As you can see I’m very proud of where I’m from. I eat, breath and sleep Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. God’s speed to you all and remember that improving your mental health is wealth.
Sydney Reid, MBA
Community Liaison
Sydney Reid, a native of Charlotte, NC, currently serves as a Midlands Region Extension Agent for South Carolina State University 1890 Research & Extension. Her focus areas are 4-H & Youth Development and Educational Support Services. Reid received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marketing and a Master’s of Business Administration - Agribusiness from South Carolina State University. Reid is an active member in the community and recently a 2019 graduate of Leadership Orangeburg County. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Corderia Grant M.ED
Director of Logistics
Mr. Corderia Grant is a native of Allendale, SC. He is currently a 3rd grade Language Arts/Social Studies teacher at Brookdale Elementary in Orangeburg, SC. He’s a graduate of Allendale-Fairfax High School Class of 2006. He furthered his education at South Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science Business concentrating in Child Development and a master’s degree in Elementary Education. He’s a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Shalonda Moss, M.ED
Director of Curriculum
Shalonda Moss is a native of Orangeburg, SC where she serve as the sixth grade ELA teacher at a local elementary school. After graduating from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, she furthered her education at South Carolina State University majoring in Elementary Education. She later pursued her Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.
Trisha Mitchell
Apparel Liaison
Trisha Mitchell Received a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. Found my calling in education, has been teaching formally and informally for 15 years. Has served for 7 years in some capacity in the Children's Defense Fund Freedom School as a SLI , Site Coordinator and Ella Baker Trainer . Volunteer for the Animal Rescue and Foster Program. Founder of change t-shirts. A company dedicated to designing and creating apparel for non profit fundraising. Check out our current campaign at https://changetshirts.square.site
Student Ambassadors
Zyah Cephus
South Carolina State University
Hello everyone! My name is Zyah Cephus and I am a current Marketing major at the illustrious South Carolina State University. I come all the way from San Diego, California, and I am excited to serve and get to know the Orangeburg community.
Sekyria McBride
South Carolina State University
My name is Sekyria McBride and I am from Bennettsville, SC. I attend South Carolina State University majoring in Speech and Audiology.