From calling to career: Khadija Williams leads with heart

Khadija Williams sits at the helm of the Social Work Student Association (SWSA) at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, as president, not once, but two times around.

It is a role the former Springer Memorial School student and pastor does not take  lightly.

Over the years, she brushed aside childhood dreams of one day becoming a movie star or a doctor, and took the advice of her mother, Heather Eversley-Williams, to “get into social work.”

Today, she is actively involved in child care and nursery management, and has settled in her mind that social work is where she will firmly plant her feet as she seeks to empower others – particularly single women and children.

Currently in the final year of completing her degree in social work, under the tutorship of field instructor Thérése James, and the supervision of Makeada Bourne, acting deputy manager at the National Council for Substance Abuse (NCSA), Khadija, who is already the author of three books – inclusive of two devotionals and a wedding guideline publication – is eager to put into action all she is learning in this field.

When she joined SWSA back in 2022 and was elected president that same year, Khadija knew she had a lot of work to do. 

She served from 2022 to 2023 and was re-elected last year to serve until May 2026.

She lays out her reasons for not only studying social work, but being a member of SWSA.

“Social work for me is about helping people to navigate their difficult systems and situations and advocating for those without a voice. This is what I want to do. I got into social work to help parents – especially single mothers and children who have no help from the fathers. I want to give additional support. When I do become a full-time social worker, I will be able to connect such persons to resources and opportunities that will help in changing their environment. I want to be able to empower these women and children so they won’t feel undervalued.”

Traumatic experiences

Since starting her internship, Khadija has come face-to-face with many people with traumatic experiences and have no idea what to do or what steps to take to remedy their situation. She wants more than anything else to lift these individuals from their sea of despair.

“Trauma is very prevalent. It could be the result of one’s environment, one’s home, poor parenting, even learning experiences and relationships at home, school, and work.

“If we can tackle issues before they escalate; if we can have family therapy and training for parents, then we would achieve much.”

Khadija’s work with SWSA has provided the perfect stepping stone for her to embrace all the various areas of social work. SWSA also serves as the official student body representing students enrolled in the university’s social work programme. It was established in 2013 as a student-led project by social work students at Cave Hill, and created to provide a structured and supportive platform for students to grow academically, professionally, and socially. 

The association plays a vital role in promoting student engagement, professional development, advocacy and peer support among social work students.

A student-led association, it advocates for student needs and welfare and is a platform for leadership, collaboration and professional development, with a structured body governed by an executive committee.

According to Khadija, it is also grounded in advocacy, service, leadership, career readiness and social responsibility.

In addition, SWSA actively advocates for communities across the island, and works to empower individuals and groups through outreach, education and engagement initiatives.

SWSA’s work is guided by macro-level social work practice, which focuses on community development, social change, and systemic impact.

As outlined in its vision, mission and objectives, and as shared by its president, “SWSA’s vision is to cultivate a vibrant and supportive community of social work students who are committed to social justice, professional excellence and transformative leadership.

“Its mission is to support and empower social work students by providing opportunities for professional development, student engagement, advocacy and wellness, and SWSA aims to foster a strong network of students who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to communities and the social work profession.”

Among its objectives, SWSA seeks to promote the academic and professional development of social work students; encourage active student participation and leadership within the university community; provide opportunities for networking with professionals in the social work and human services sectors; create safe spaces that support students’ well-being and personal growth, and raise awareness of social issues affecting individuals, families and communities

Sense of community

During Khadija’s current reign as president, the executive focused on revitalising the association, strengthening student engagement and participation and creating meaningful opportunities for students to develop both academically and professionally.  Through a series of meetings, outreach, activities, collaborative events with external organisations, awareness initiatives and wellness programmes, SWSA sought to build a stronger sense of community among students, while reinforcing the values and principles of the social work profession.

Activities under Khadija’s leadership reflected the commitment of the executive team to support students and the public holistically, while encouraging active participation in initiatives that promote social justice, well-being and professional growth.

SWSA’s events hosted during the 2025 and 2026 academic year saw Khadija and her team successfully partnering and collaborating with organisations and individuals who supported student development, contributed resources and gave of their expertise and services.

SWSA also knows the importance of building from within.

“While the association is helping student social workers to have the experience to execute what they can within the society, we also advocate for ourselves and others in the community,” Khadija shared.

When she steps down as president in May, Khadija wants to know that she would have made a difference within the association and in the lives of those with whom she came into contact as part of her social work studies.

“When I leave office in May, I would have wanted SWSA to have a name for itself – where everybody knows the association and knows that it is available to help with the needs of others. We have already been able to interact with over 1 000 individuals through Facebook, and my desire is for SWSA to be a household name.”

With all the time and dedication Khadija has given to SWSA and people in general, there is no doubt that she will be a social worker to be reckoned with. (Cheryl Harewood) 

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