Shameika Williams

Shameika Williams, EdD, MPH, CLC is an Assistant Professor of Public Health and SEJI Fellow at SUNY Old Westbury and a SUNY Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEISJ) Fellow. She is federally funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), supporting her work to advance maternal and child health equity.

Dr. Williams’ research explores the impact of carceral systems on maternal-child health, the role of structural racism in breastfeeding and birth outcomes, and the effectiveness of community baby showers as interventions for delivering maternal and child health education. She has led community-driven health equity initiatives at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Columbia University, and Northwell Health.

Previously, Dr. Williams served as a Faculty Fellow at the National Maternal Child Health Development Center through August 2025. Prior to her academic role, she worked as a Research Scientist at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. She earned her Doctorate in Health Education from Columbia University, Teachers College.

A Certified Lactation Counselor, Community Breastfeeding Educator, and trained Community Health Worker, Dr. Williams specializes in community-centered interventions and is known for organizing community baby showers to support and educate expectant families.