Celebrating Women’s History Month: Meet Alina Williams, Community Coordinator 

Every March, we mark Women’s History Month by celebrating the contributions women have made throughout American history as well as the achievements women continue to make today. This year’s theme highlights “women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion,” and we recognize women in our community who, through their leadership and advocacy, are helping to create a NYCHA community that is more inclusive, equitable, and fair. 

During her 14 years working for NYCHA, Alina Williams has looked to her own experiences to help make things happen for residents.  

Currently a Community Coordinator in the Resident Participation and Civic Engagement Department, Ms. Williams serves as a neighborhood liaison for several developments in the South Bronx, where she works with resident associations to develop various programs benefiting residents. 

A former resident who grew up at Taft Houses in Harlem, Ms. Williams has relished the opportunity to assist residents, saying she can relate to many issues they face and wants to provide community services that may not have been widely available in the past.  

“I think I have a better understanding of some of the needs since I am a former resident of NYCHA,” said Ms. Williams, who first joined the Authority as a Community Coordinator working on programs for at-risk youth and teens in Manhattan and the Bronx. “If there’s any way I can assist with connecting folks with resources, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m always looking to enhance and empower our residents no matter what the situation may be, and I think I do that every day.” 

In particular, her work in the community has centered on expanding opportunities and improving accessibility for residents with disabilities and special needs. Ms. Williams, who is the mother of a daughter with autism, knows some of the challenges faced by those with special needs and their families, and seeks to “make sure we help them as much as we can.” 

Noting that some people in the special needs community might be unaware of how to receive information and services, Ms. Williams said she has worked with local resident leaders to organize events to connect residents with a variety of resources. Residents can find out about job opportunities, engage with sensory resources, and learn about programs such as the Bronx Transition and College Access Center, which assists youth with disabilities in transitioning from high school to adulthood.  

“We try to bring the resources to them to help guide them and give them a place to begin,” she said.    

Ms. Williams’ work with residents has involved other parents of children with special needs, including Morrisania Air Rights Resident Association President Tanya Pedler. With a mutual understanding of their children’s needs, the two women have worked closely to create activities and programs for youth and adults that promote independence and self-sufficiency.   

“Sometimes it’s good to have someone to talk to that has the same challenges,” Ms. Williams said of her partnership with Ms. Pedler. “Our main focus is to make sure that our children are included and that they become independent in society. I like to put smiles on the faces of parents when their children reach certain milestones, and I’m happy that we’re able to provide them with resources.”   

Over the years, Ms. Williams’ advocacy has extended beyond the special needs community to efforts such as introducing “non-traditional” programming for residents of all ages and backgrounds. While overseeing local community center programs, Ms. Williams helped establish a competition cheer squad, facilitated a partnership with the New York Road Runners club to provide uniforms for the neighborhood track team, and partnered with the Community Board Youth Committee to offer golf instruction for NYCHA youth. She has also partnered with a Bronx hospital to offer paid summer healthcare internships to teen girls.  

For the longtime NYCHA employee and former resident, her devotion to uplifting the community is about giving hope to residents who are seeking to thrive in their own way.  

“I love making a difference and helping people with getting their voices heard,” Ms. Williams said. “That’s what I’m here to do; to just be an advocate for our residents, to make sure they are included, that they are provided with resources, and to empower them.”