Valerie N. Williams, PhD, MPA

Director, Center for Learning and Leadership, Oklahoma’s UCEDD and University of Oklahoma Presidents Associates Presidential Professor

What is your role with the CLL | UCEDD?

My role at the CLL | UCEDD is to guide how we accomplish our mission, goals and objectives. We committed to specific work with and on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Oklahoma. I keep us focused and help us connect with people, community advisors, and our university host and partners.

Why did you decide to work in the field of Disability?

My personal and professional commitments have always focused on engaging people in problem solving and innovation. When I came to Oklahoma, over 30-years ago, the parents of people with IDD were ready to talk about the future for their children, and self-advocates (people with IDD) in Oklahoma were forming their first organizations. There were lots of health, education, social justice, and life opportunities that came up in those conversations. I was hooked and now work to be sure parent/caregiver advocates and self-advocates are at many tables where ideas arise, problem solving gets done, and innovations are discovered, or implemented or evaluated.

How does your perspective inform your work?

My perspective is mostly as an academic and a community member. Thought I have people with disabilities in my family, I grew up in a family and environment where that wasn’t much talked about. What we did talk about was having a voice in your future and never being held back by the opinions that other people might hold. So, having voice, and being sure that others get to use theirs, is one important perspective that informs my work.

When you are not working, how do you relax and practice self-care?

When I’m tired I sleep, and when I want to relax I garden, swim, or sketch. When I feel “lazy” I watch movies—sometimes I’ll re-watch movies I’ve seen 5 or 6 times already! I love being with a small group of friends to catch up over a meal, or being solo and enjoying quiet time. I practice mindfulness whenever I can to keep myself in a good space mentally.

What is a motto or saying that motivates or inspires you?

My personal motto is: Aut inveniam viam aut faciam which is Latin (yep—I’m an academic-type) means, If I cannot find a way I will invent one.