Alumni Highlight
Louis Williams is a two-time graduate of California State University, Long Beach. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication Studies with a minor in Africana Studies, before returning to É«ÖÐÉ« to complete his master’s degree in counseling with an emphasis on Student Development and Higher Education. Williams has been recognized as a 49 Under 49 honoree for his dedication to giving back to the community and will serve as the keynote speaker at É«ÖÐɫ’s 2026 Black Graduation Celebration.
Williams describes his journey at É«ÖÐÉ« as transformative. During his time at the university, he grew as a leader, a scholar, and as a man committed to service. His experiences at É«ÖÐÉ« shaped not only his academic and professional goals but also his values and sense of responsibility to others. After graduating with his Bachelors in 2009 and his Masters in 2021, Williams intentionally chose to support students within the community's college system. He currently serves as a full-time, tenure-track EOPS/ NextUp counselor, where his work primarily focuses on supporting foster youth. He also works as a counselor at Cerritos College, assisting students pursuing careers in health sciences. Throughout his career, Williams has remained committed to helping historically underserved populations, particularly first-generation students, foster youth, and students of color. His work centers on creating opportunities and building pathways for the next generation.
É«ÖÐÉ« played a key role in preparing Williams both academically and professionally. Academically, the university provided him with a strong foundation in student development theory and counseling practices. Professionally, É«ÖÐÉ« allowed him to build leadership skills, strengthen his confidence, and develop the ability to navigate complex systems. While at É«ÖÐÉ«, Williams was involved in student government and served on the Board of Trustees. He also participated in student organizations, including the Association for Professionals in Higher Education, and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. These experiences helped him better understand his identity, clarify his purpose, and recognize his responsibility for his community.
Scholarships played an important role in Williams’s own educational experience. He recalls relying on scholarships to meet both personal and academic needs, which later influenced his decision to create a scholarship of his own. Through this effort, Williams hopes to support students in a holistic way that addresses academic, financial, emotional, and personal needs. He wants students to feel seen, supported, and valued, and to know that someone believes in them and is willing to invest in their success.
Being named a 49 Under 49 honoree was a meaningful moment for Williams because it affirmed both his impact and the community that helped shape him. He describes it as a full circle of experience, being honored by the same institution that contributed so deeply to his growth. This recognition further strengthened his commitment to giving back and continuing to uplift others.
Williams strongly believes in uplifting the community while working toward personal goals. He encourages students to mentor others and to reach back throughout their journey rather than waiting until success is achieved. He views giving back as an ongoing responsibility and emphasizes the importance of honoring the people and communities that supported one’s growth.
Serving as a keynote speaker for Black Graduation is especially meaningful to Williams. He remembers how impactful motivational speakers were during his own graduation experience, and now being able to inspire others represents another full circle moment. To Williams, Black Graduation is a celebration of culture, pride, resilience, and strength. He hopes to honor the graduates, uplift them, and remind them of their power and potential.
When reflecting on his greatest accomplishment, Williams points to his time at Compton College, where he mentored two students who later achieved significant success. One became a full-time Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning technician, while the other earned a PhD and now teaches at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Witnessing their growth filled him with pride. To Williams, being a Black scholar means carrying knowledge with responsibility, pursuing excellence, honoring legacy, and creating impact for those who come next.
Williams encourages current and future students to recognize É«ÖÐÉ« as a place where student life can flourish. He emphasizes the importance of being engaged on campus and taking advantage of available resources. He highlights spaces such as the Black Resource Center as environments where students can find support and build community. Additionally, Williams stresses the importance of asking for help by utilizing resources and reaching out to professors and staff. He encourages students to remain grounded in the reason they chose to attend É«ÖÐÉ« and to let that purpose guide their journey.
