About LaTonya Williams

Meet LaTonya Williams

LaTonya Williams is a lifelong advocate for children, families, and strong public schools. A proud resident of St. Joseph, Missouri, LaTonya has dedicated her career to serving her community through education, nonprofit leadership, and public service.

She currently serves as President of the St. Joseph School District Board of Education and as Executive Director of the Bartlett Center, a historic nonprofit organization providing youth development, childcare, and family support services. Through her leadership, the Bartlett Center has expanded innovative programming focused on entrepreneurship, academic enrichment, and whole-child development.

As a school board leader, LaTonya has been a bold and vocal champion for public education, fiscal responsibility, and local control. She has navigated complex governance challenges, advocated for educators and families, and worked to ensure transparency and accountability in district leadership. Her commitment to student success and community engagement has guided her public service at every level.

LaTonya is currently pursuing her Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership. Her research focuses on workforce development and strengthening the quality of afterschool and youth programming because she believes strong systems create strong outcomes for children.

Now, as a candidate for Missouri House District 10, LaTonya is running to protect public education, strengthen working families, and ensure that state government respects local voices. She believes leadership requires courage, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult.

LaTonya is a woman of faith, a mother, and a community builder who understands that thriving neighborhoods begin with opportunity, stability, and hope.

She is ready to serve and ready to lead.

Education

University of Phoenix — Doctor of Management/ Business (expected Winter 2026)

University of Phoenix — Post Masters Certificate in Organizational Leadership & Decision Making (expected June 2026)

University of Phoenix — Master of Business Administration, Oct. 2022

Missouri Western State University — B.A. in English/Public Relations & Journalism, May 2003

Core Skills

• - Strategic Communication & Advocacy

• - Nonprofit Leadership & Governance

• - Program Development & Management

• - Grant Writing & Fundraising

• - Youth & Community Outreach

• - Event Planning & Public Speaking

Leadership & Service
• - President, St. Joseph School Board (2023–Present); Vice President (2022–2023);
Member (2021–Present)
• - Board of Directors, Missouri School Boards' Association (2023–Present)
• - State Ambassador, Missouri Afterschool Network (2022–Present)
• - Treasurer & Board Member, Community Action Partnership of St. Joseph (2022–24)
• - Advocacy Director, Junior League of St. Joseph (2022–2023)
• - Board Member, YWCA, InterServ, Mid-City Excellence, and other civic boards
• - Member, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce (2014–Present)

Awards & Recognition
• - Kelsey Beshears Racial Justice Award (2025)
• - Distinguished Certified Board Member, Missouri School Board Association (2025)
• - Women of Excellence Nominee, YWCA (2024)
• Great Griffon Award, Missouri Western State University (2023)
• - Master Certified Board Member, Missouri School Board Association (2023)
• - Established Board Member, Missouri School Board Association (2023)
• - Drum Major for Justice Award, Missouri Western State University (2022)
• - Women of Excellence Nominee, YWCA (2018)