A Decade of Dedication

“My name is Margarett Williams — with two Ts,” she begins with a laugh, reflecting on nearly ten years with the Mobile Healthcare Association. After a successful career in corporate healthcare with Express Scripts, Margarett wasn’t quite ready to slow down. “I was interested in nonprofit work. It was a big change for me, but one I was happy to make.”

Margarett remembers her early days fondly, working alongside a small but mighty team. “At that time, it was just me, Elizabeth, and one other staff member, with Jim Goodwin from Fresno coming in as our Van Master.” Together, they built something special, navigating conferences, challenges, and milestones that would shape the organization’s future.

From St. Louis to Memphis, Phoenix to Pittsburgh, Margarett has been a witness to, and architect of, the Association’s growth. “I think about those first conferences and how we’ve grown since then. We added staff, technology, and partnerships. We made it through a pandemic and came back even stronger.”

Building Community, One Connection at a Time

For Margarett, the heart of her work has always been about people. “The conferences were great, but it was getting to know our members one-on-one that meant the most. Putting a face to a name, meeting people I’d only sent invoices to, that was special.”

She fondly recalls friendships with board members like Dr. Anthony Vavasis, and the joy of seeing regular attendees like the Kitch family year after year. “It’s those relationships that I treasure most,” she reflects. “It was always good to see familiar faces and to feel that sense of community.”

And, of course, there were the sunglasses from VSP, a conference favorite Margarett still proudly wears.

A Legacy of Leadership as a Black Woman in Healthcare

When asked how her identity as a Black woman shaped her leadership, Margarett speaks candidly. “I came up in corporate America when things were very different for women, and for Black women especially. Unfortunately, I see some of those old attitudes trying to resurface.”

But her advice to the next generation is clear: focus on your craft, stay aware of what’s happening in the world, and never stop learning. “Get that certificate, join that professional organization, take that extra class. Those connections and skills will carry you far.”

She also speaks to the importance of representation. “Today, we see more Black women stepping into leadership roles, and it matters. Not just for us, but for those coming behind us.”

The Meaning of Juneteenth

For Margarett, Juneteenth is both a celebration and a reminder. “When I was growing up, we didn’t learn about Juneteenth. Black history wasn’t taught, not really. I didn’t even know about the Tulsa massacre until much later in life.”

Now, she’s grateful that today’s generation has more access to those stories. “It’s important history that was lost for too long. And while there’s still work to be done, and resistance to that progress, it’s encouraging to see greater recognition and awareness.”

Words for the Next Generation

Margarett’s advice to those entering healthcare and community service is as practical as it is profound: pay attention. “Laws change, policies shift, and they affect vulnerable populations the most. Seniors, low-income families, people with disabilities need advocates now more than ever.”

And in a time where DEI initiatives face pushback, she issues a call to action. “Healthcare needs everybody. There’s no room for resistance to progress when people’s lives are at stake. So get involved, stay informed, and don’t be afraid to lead.”

A Lasting Impact

Though Margarett has officially retired from her position, she’ll never be far from the people and mission she loves. “I’ll miss the people most,” she smiles. “I still think about them. That sense of family, it’s what made it all so special.”

Margarett Williams is a reminder of what Black excellence looks like: resilient, wise, community-minded, and forever forward-moving.

This Juneteenth, we honor her journey and the countless untold stories like hers that continue to shape our communities, our history, and our future.

Thank you, Margarett, for your service, your leadership, and your example. You are, and always will be, a vital part of our Mobile Healthcare Association family.