Skip to content

Niculia “Nikki” Williams Education & Equity Foundation

A legacy scholarship foundation honoring Niculia “Nikki” Williams.

Advancing educational opportunity and equity for students experiencing financial need or other barriers to educational success.

Explore the Foundation Learn about giving

California nonprofit public benefit corporation

501(c)(3) application pending

Niculia “Nikki” Williams portrait

A legacy scholarship foundation in honor of Nikki Williams.

01 / About & mission

Opportunity is the work.

The Niculia “Nikki” Williams Education & Equity Foundation is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation carrying Nikki’s legacy forward through educational opportunity.

Its mission is to advance educational opportunity and equity by providing scholarships, educational resources, and related support to students experiencing financial need or other barriers to educational success.

Every part of the Foundation’s work is shaped by care for students, practical support, and the belief that education can widen a person’s path forward.

Education and equity, carried forward with care.

Nikki

A name carried forward

Niculia “Nikki” Williams · August 13, 2026

02 / Honoring Nikki

A legacy made useful.

Niculia “Nikki” Williams passed away August 13, 2026. Her life was rooted in faith, family, education, and service. She earned her degree in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley, graduating with Honors, and went on to serve as Executive Director of Berkeley Youth Alternatives.

Her commitment to community was recognized with the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame in 1997. She also served on the Board of Trustees of Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, carrying her care for young people and her faith community into every chapter of her work.

“You have all the time in the world but not a day to waste.”

In her honor

A scholarship foundation created to carry Nikki’s legacy forward.

August 13, 2026

The date Nikki passed away.

Kevin Williams, JD, MPH, Trustee, President & Founder of the Niculia “Nikki” Williams Education & Equity Foundation.

The work continues

About the Founder

Kevin Williams, JD, MPH, is the Trustee, President, and Founder of the Niculia “Nikki” Williams Education & Equity Foundation, established to honor the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of his mother, Niculia “Nikki” Williams.

Read Kevin's story

03 / Scholarship program

Support for the road ahead.

Scholarships and Special Project Grants launching in 2028.

The Foundation will award scholarships and educational support to students in need. Selection will use objective, nondiscriminatory criteria.

The Foundation will also invest in Special Projects that advance sports and recreation, health and wellness, Christian ministry outreach, youth workforce development, and girls’ leadership and development.

01

Tuition and books

02

Technology and supplies

03

Transportation and testing

04

Other educational expenses

Support can meet a student where they are.

Educational support may include tuition, books, technology, supplies, transportation, testing, and other educational expenses.

04 / Our beneficiaries

Rooted in Her Life. Continuing Her Legacy.

The Foundation’s beneficiary partnerships reflect two institutions that were deeply woven into the life and legacy of Niculia “Nikki” Williams. Through these organizations, the Foundation will identify and support students whose educational journeys embody Nikki’s lifelong commitment to opportunity, service, faith, and the potential of young people.

01 / Berkeley

Berkeley Youth Alternatives

For decades, Berkeley Youth Alternatives was at the heart of Nikki Williams’ professional life and community service. As Executive Director, she dedicated her leadership to expanding opportunities for children, youth, and families—particularly young people facing economic, educational, and social barriers.

The Foundation honors that extraordinary legacy by partnering with Berkeley Youth Alternatives to identify students who may benefit from scholarships, educational support, leadership development, and other Foundation opportunities.

02 / Berkeley

Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church was Nikki’s spiritual home and an important part of her life of faith and service. A devoted member of the congregation, she served on the Church’s Board of Trustees and brought the same commitment to stewardship, young people, families, and community that characterized her professional life.

The Foundation honors Nikki’s faith and service by partnering with Berkeley Mt. Zion to identify students who may benefit from scholarships, educational support, leadership development, and other Foundation opportunities.

Two Communities. One Legacy.

These partnerships are more than referral relationships. They connect the Foundation directly to the communities Nikki served, loved, and helped strengthen during her lifetime—ensuring that her legacy continues by creating opportunities for the next generation.

06 / Contact

Stay connected to the work.

General inquiries

For general inquiries, contact the Foundation’s trustee and president:

Kevin D. Williams, JD, MPH — Trustee & President

Niculia “Nikki” Williams Education & Equity Foundation

A California nonprofit public benefit corporation — 501(c)(3) application pending.

Contact details

Contact email

info@niculiawilliams.orgReceptionist: 318-495-2873

2143 Springs Road Suite 55, #233
Vallejo, CA 94591

For nonprofit leaders

Explore Nonprofit Compass™