CHANdra williams
Faith and forgiveness go hand in hand for Chandra Williams, a senior-level executive proudly serving at Christ-Centered Ministries and with communities throughout the L.A. county.
Today, Chandra shares her transformative experience serving in Prison Ministries, where she has had the chance to visit prisons and sit with women, listening to their stories, offering friendship, and providing hope.
DEFINING BEAUTY
“During my early teenage years, I dabbled in makeup even though I had no clue what I was doing. However, I noticed that the beautiful women in my life rarely wore heavy makeup. It became clear to me that their true beauty emanated from within - their values, intellect, attitude, and heart. One day, as I was attempting to follow a makeup trend that clearly didn’t suit me, my stunning grandmother intervened. She gently told me, ‘Makeup is meant to enhance and accentuate the beauty you already possess, not to define or diminish it.’ Her words resonated deeply with me, reinforcing the idea that beauty originates from a place far beyond makeup or surface appearances. Each of us possesses a unique and inherent beauty that may require some introspection to discover.”
What brought you to the criminal justice reform movement?
“Growing up, I had a range of perspectives on criminal justice. On one hand, I had close relatives who had successful careers in law enforcement, while on the other hand, I had more distant relatives who had spent time incarcerated for various reasons. This sparked a profound curiosity in me about the distinction between ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys,’ and what factors lead individuals down different paths. Initially, I saw this as a black and white concept, lacking any shades of gray. However, as I learned and matured, I witnessed people I knew going through their own journeys, and I realized that it wasn’t as simple as I had once believed. I began to understand that, as flawed human beings, we all have the capacity to grow, expand our knowledge, develop a stronger moral compass, and make better choices when given the right opportunities. This realization, combined with my faith, broadened my perspective.
Observing my parents, I noticed how they served others in various ways and showed a level of grace towards people that others might have written off or dismissed as underdogs. My grandparents even sent care packages to incarcerated relatives who had been abandoned by others. As I grew older, I delved deeper into understanding more about my pastor’s life and discovered the incredible transformation he had undergone. He had once been a drug-addicted, homeless veteran sleeping on the streets of downtown L.A. on Skidrow, but he had completely turned his life around. He now dedicated himself to serving others, his community, God, and helping people not only escape homelessness but also reintegrate into society in a better state than when they entered jail. Inspired by the examples set by my parents, pastor, and others in their networks, I felt compelled to commit myself to similar efforts.
I have been fortunate enough to serve in Prison Ministries, where I had the chance to visit prisons and sit with women, listening to their stories, offering friendship, and providing hope. Now, I am blessed to have a full-time role in this sector, plus serving as many organizations and individuals as I can.”
CHANDRA’s IMPACT TODAY
“I am currently privileged to hold the position of Chief Administrative Officer at CCM, where we operate programs and homes throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Our programs primarily focus on serving the reentry population, victims of human trafficking, individuals with mental health needs, those in need of interim and permanent housing, and incarcerated pregnant women. In addition to my role at CCM, I also serve on the Board of Directors for several other remarkable non-profit organizations, each at different stages of development, including the Los Angeles Mission, UCLA Anderson Alumni, Saint the Movement, and Moon Refuge, Inc. Furthermore, I am proud to act as an ambassador for exceptional companies that align with causes I support, such as GXVE Beauty, Rough Sleeper Co., and Saint the Brand.
I became involved in these causes with a deep desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. I firmly believe that everyone deserves hope and a second chance. Through my own experiences, I have witnessed the transformative power that even a glimmer of hope can have when combined with the right support system and opportunities. I joined these causes because I firmly believe that each of us has a purpose and is capable of making a difference that extends far beyond ourselves.. and we are wonderfully designed to do just that. My ultimate goal is to use my life to contribute to something greater, and these avenues have presented themselves as the paths through which I can support and serve others.”