Sharon Cates-Williams

Sharon Cates Williams, a vibrant, bright, self-assured woman is making her mark on Long Island. She is the first African American Commissioner for the Town of North Hempstead. As Commissioner of the Department of Information Technology for this township that consists of 31 villages with 225,000 constituents, Sharon’s role is to support town employees and agencies. She is currently researching and soon to be implementing a 311 System, a non-emergency number for all residents. Prior to this government position, Sharon was Vice President for Lehman Brothers in the Global Technology Division for sixteen years.

Do you live by a basic philosophy?

I have a strong religious foundation. I believe that I can do all things through Christ. This strengthens me. I don’t worry about things or about tomorrow. I don’t sweat the small stuff . . .. especially since 9.11.

Are there people that were catalysts in your life?

My parents were both trailblazers in their careers. My father was in the film industry and my mother was in corporate America. They shared their challenges and successes with me: they were my mentors. My dad insisted I learn how to type. He knew this was the key to getting a job in an office. He was right! Additionally, Mary Jo Jacobi, one of my manager’s at Lehman brothers taught me that location is everything. She said “you must be at the right place at the right time.” She believed it was crucial to have a one-on-one relationship with your boss. I think this is key for women. Be focused and keep your mind on task.

Do you volunteer your time to worthy causes?

I do a great deal with my church. I have done women’s seminars and worked with our youth. Recently I did a program on Relationship and Forgiveness” for women. Furthermore, I am a church officer. After 9.11, I was out of work for eighteen months. During this period I worked in a soup kitchen, tutored at the local library and provided technical assistance in the office of the Long Island Center for Business and Professional Women. This was extremely rewarding for me.

Do you have advice for women readers?

Discover your purpose in life, don’t compromise and be honest about what makes you happy and what doesn’t. I treated a company like it was my life . . . and thankfully found out before it was too late that it wasn’t.

Sharon Cates Williams exhibits a strong belief system. She is a cancer survivor for six years. She was told that she most likely could not have a baby, yet her daughter, Langston Sidney Williams, is three years old this year! She knows she has found her purpose in life..and she is happy that she has arrived.