Dr. Shakenna Williams

Executive Director, Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (F&E CWEL)

Dr. Shakenna K. Williams is the Executive Director of the Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (F&E CWEL) and the founder of the Black Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (BWEL) program at Babson College. Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University, Dr. Williams is a pioneer in integrating clinical mental health principles with entrepreneurial strategy. Having previously served on the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) advising the U.S. President and Congress, she continues her advocacy through the Women’s Entrepreneurial Institute and numerous non-profit and for-profit boards. Her unique approach empowers founders to build the emotional resilience and psychological safety required to scale sustainable, high-impact businesses.

Dr. Williams is the author of The Mark (excerpt) and the book Hooked: Entrepreneurial Leadership Skills Learned While Fishing with My Dad. She has been honored as the African American Female Professor of the Year and is a recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Changemaker Award. She holds a PhD from Capella University, an MBA from Oklahoma City University, and a B.S. from Babson College.