Today we’d like to introduce you to Terri Broussard Williams.
Authentic. Courageous. Impactful.
Terri Broussard Williams believes leaders turn moments into movements. Throughout her accomplished career as a broadcast journalist, press secretary for a US Senate Candidate, philanthropist, and lobbyist, Williams has turned public and community service into a professional art-form that has positively impacted millions of lives.
For nearly fifteen years, Terri has made the American Heart Association (AHA) her career home. Her journey at this notable organization sparked her dream of creating significant, community-shifting outcomes. She counts some of the pieces of legislation passed as some of her most distinguished accomplishments, including The Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act, a game-changing career milestone she experienced at the flourishing age of 28.
Broussard Williams received her bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and is also a graduate of the social impact strategy executive education program at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as holds a graduate certificate in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University. She also serves on several boards including the Austin Area Urban League, the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Engagement and The Association of Junior Leagues International among others.
In addition to her leadership at AHA, Terri is focused on paying it forward – encouraging and building up others who strive to create meaningful and groundbreaking change through her blog, movementmakertribe.com. Get to know more about this #firestarter at terribwilliams.com.
Has it been a smooth road?
Terri believes leaders turn moments into movements. In less than four decades on earth, Terri counts the following moments as movements that she’s been a part of, championed or accepted as her own. Each has defined her as a leader.
Movement Moment 1
On election night while running for student government at LSU, it was determined that Terri lost by less than 10 votes.
Despite her loss, the student government asked her if she would like to be appointed to a special counsel. Terri had a choice – be proud and say no, or take on the position, even though she had been burned.
She came to the realization – the choice was bigger than her. She had an opportunity to be a role model, and chip away at the stigma that African Americans didn’t get involved on campus. Terri said yes to the position, and yes to leading by example.
Movement Moment 2
Terri’s broadcast journalism and campaign manager background alone would have made her unique at the state capital. But Terri was also a minority. And a woman. And at the age of 25. Together, her collective qualities made her an anomaly.
When a lobbyist position became available with the American Heart Association, the organization already had a list of potential candidates. Terri wasn’t listed.
Working her connections and her charm, Terri got an interview that escalated her to becoming one of two candidates. Then, the call came that she didn’t get the position.
Ever so coolly, at that moment, Terri said she would be a resource for the organization, and that she had a feeling she would work with them someday. Her confidence paid off and a few months later, the candidate she competed against had resigned. In her first year, she received the highest national honor that could be bestowed on an AHA employee – the Rome Betts-Honorable Mention award. Years later, she outright won the award.
Accepting the position at American Heart Association was the beginning of many future movements for Terri, helping to pass laws that most thought could never be done.
Movement Moment 3
After Hurricane Katrina, many at the Louisiana State Capitol said it would be impossible to push any non-hurricane legislation. Terri didn’t listen.
Lobbying to pass a major no-smoking bill that would restrict smoking in public places like restaurants, Terri worked around the clock to get the support she needed from lawmakers. She built coalitions of support. She pushed back on proposed amendments that didn’t fit the spirit of the bill. She continued to fight even as others’ support waned.
“I refused to give up,” Terri says about her tenacity. “Even when I know it might not work, refusing to give up puts me in the mindset to somehow figure out a way. And there’s always a way. I then have to ask, ‘how do I make this happen?’”
With persistence and a little bit of faith, the then 28-year-old watched The Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act pass, one of the biggest defining moments in her career.
Now, Terri is focused on paying it forward – encouraging and building up others who want to make their own movements. Ready to start a fire or inspire a movement?
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Terri Broussard Williams is a professional speaker, blogger, published author, and infectious inspirational leader.
Terri helps leaders turn moments into movements through consulting, professional speaking and coaching. She’s known for encouraging those to unleash their full potential to become what she calls #Firestarters.
Terri’s coaching service is rapidly growing from corporation executives to nonprofit leaders, she is able to help them through her “Explore and Encourage” sessions. What sets these sessions apart is that Terri helps leaders hold themselves accountable from exploring their goals to encouraging them along the way.
Terri also sells inspirational merchandise at www.terribwilliams.com/shop.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Terri loves the diversity of Dallas and all it has to offer. She would like to see less of a disparity between Dallasites.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.terribwilliams.com
- Email: terri@terribwilliams.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/terribwilliams
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/movementmakertribe
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/terribwilliams
Image Credit:
Angelica Rodriguez, Ty West, Energizing Health
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
