CEO and founder of The Joyful Collaborative, LLC, Dr. Avis Williams, is a visionary leader, author, and educator from humble roots. Her core values are EQUITY, EXCELLENCE and JOY. A native of Salisbury, NC and a product of poverty, Dr. Williams dreamed of being a teacher from an early age. As a first generation 4-year college student, she followed the path of her older siblings and joined the Army right after high school. After an honorable discharge, she became a personal trainer and worked her way through community college and attained her B.S. in education. She has served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and as a principal at every level. Prior to her current role as the first female superintendent in New Orleans, Dr. Williams served as superintendent of Historic Selma, AL