Shameika Williams, an assistant professor of public health at SUNY Old Westbury, is one of nine faculty members across the State University of New York to be named to the third cohort of SUNY’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEISJ) Fellows.
The faculty fellows will provide support for other faculty to incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice into existing courses to meet DEISJ student learning outcomes in the system’s general education framework.
“SUNY is committed to being a place of inclusion and equity for all, and all of our students must be prepared to succeed in diverse workplaces and communities,” SUNY Chancellor King said. “Diversity, equity, and inclusion is embedded in SUNY’s founding statute, and each of the 10 fellows' accomplishments and expertise will help SUNY uphold its core principles, and make sure students are well equipped for the future.”
The DEISJ Fellows will support SUNY faculty to develop and teach courses in the General Education Framework, and work to sustain and grow a community of practice in areas related to the teaching of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice across disciplines.
“As a Black woman and public health scholar who has experienced and studied the effects of systemic inequities, I view the DEISJ Fellowship as an opportunity to help faculty meaningfully integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice into their teaching,” said Williams. “Through this systemwide collaboration, we can create learning environments that challenge structural inequities, affirm diverse experiences, and ensure that all students see their histories and identities reflected in the curriculum. In doing so, we prepare students to lead with empathy, integrity, and a deep understanding of the world around them.”
Williams currently holds research interests that include examining the impact of carceral systems on maternal-child health outcomes and examining the impact of structural racism on breastfeeding and birth outcomes.
The DEISJ Fellows program is open to all current SUNY full-time faculty. Preference is given to applicants who are scheduled to teach a DEISJ-designated course during the 2025-2026 academic year; have experience with General Education curriculum approval or assessment; have a record of working with organizations or initiatives on their home campus that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and professional experience with Title VI protections against discrimination and harassment.
Prior to arriving on campus as member of the faculty in 2023, Williams was a research scientist at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and completed her doctorate in Health Education at Columbia University, Teachers College. Williams has led initiatives that focused on advancing health and birth equity at organizations such as the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Columbia University, and Northwell Health.
She is also a Certified Lactation Counselor, Community Breastfeeding Educator, and is formally trained as a Community Health Worker.
Dr. William's Recent Work