I currently serve as a Case Manager in Tarrant County Criminal Courts, where I support the Domestic Violence Diversion Program. This program focuses on holding offenders accountable by helping them address the behaviors, choices, and patterns that contribute to intimate partner violence. Through structured programming, court oversight, and meaningful interventions, we aim to reduce recidivism and increase community safety.
In addition to this work, I am the Founder and Executive Director of Cheryl’s Voice, a nonprofit created in honor of my mother to support children and families affected by domestic violence. Through community giveaways, education workshops, and prevention efforts, I am committed to empowering survivors, educating the community, and breaking intergenerational cycles of violence.
My journey started with my own lived experience. I survived domestic violence as a child and lost my mother to it. The pain of that loss shaped my desire to become an advocate for other children left behind, who often go unheard. I wanted to turn tragedy into purpose and ensure no one feels alone in the moments when they most need support. Social work became the vehicle that allowed me to transform trauma into healing, service, and systemic change.
UTA’s School of Social Work helped refine the advocate already inside me. The professors challenged me to think critically, strengthened my practice skills, and reinforced the importance of evidence-based work and cultural humility. UTA nurtured both my heart and my voice, pushing me into leadership roles I once never imagined.
A pivotal part of my journey was the encouragement and belief poured into me by my advisor, Victoria McWilliams. During a time when I was still figuring out my life and my purpose, she consistently supported me and encouraged me to be open about my experiences with domestic violence. Her guidance helped me embrace my story instead of hiding from it. Without her influence, Cheryl’s Voice would not exist, and I would not have become a dual Social Work major. She helped me see that my lived experience was not a barrier, but a calling.
I am extremely proud of creating Cheryl’s Voice, a nonprofit that not only honors my mother but also dedicated to providing support, education, and resources to families impacted by domestic violence. One of our most meaningful initiatives is our community giveaways which provides basic need items to those who have experienced loss due to violence. Every event, partnership, and workshop continue my mother’s legacy and gives hope to families who need it most.
LaTasha Williams poses for a photo. (Courtesy photo.)
One of the biggest challenges I face is the lack of funding and community resources needed to support our domestic violence prevention and outreach work. Although Amazon generously donates the products for our community giveaways, everything else such as renting a truck to pick up the pallets and paying monthly storage fees comes at a cost. As the founder, I often bridge those financial gaps myself by donating my birthday each year (asking my friends to donate to Cheryl’s Voice instead of purchasing gifts), using 100% of any honorarium I receive from speaking engagements, and contributing my own funds so families can receive basic necessities.
Another challenge is the difficulty of getting people to engage in honest conversations about domestic violence. It is one of the most prevalent yet most hidden issues in our communities. Many people are reluctant to talk about it, support awareness efforts, or acknowledge how deeply it affects children and families. This silence can make advocacy work feel isolating at times.
I navigate these challenges by staying committed to the mission, building strategic partnerships, and trusting that even small acts of service can create generational change. My faith, resilience, and the stories of the families we serve keep me grounded and remind me why this work must continue even when support is limited.
My biggest influence is my Granny, who raised me, and my mother, Cheryl, who lost her life trying to leave a toxic relationship and protect me. Their love, courage, and sacrifice continue to drive my purpose and passion every day. I am also deeply grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and community partners who have walked alongside me especially my church family, my friends and loved ones, and the survivors who courageously share their stories. Their strength continuously reminds me why this work matters.
Social work is more than a profession it’s a calling. Give yourself permission to grow, ask questions, and take care of your mental health. Build relationships, find mentors, and stay open to unexpected opportunities. Most of all, lead with compassion, integrity, and humility. The work you do may not always be easy, but it will always matter. And always remind yourself of your WHY.
I stay connected by showing up; through advocacy, community education, and elevating the voices of those who have been silenced. Whether in the courtroom, at a speaking engagement, or through Cheryl’s Voice, I strive to uphold the core values of dignity, service, social justice, and the belief that every person has inherent worth. Social work isn’t just my job; it is part of who I am.
Thank you to the UTA School of Social Work for choosing to highlight my story. This recognition means more than words can express. UTA played a significant role in shaping both my personal and professional journey, especially as I completed my dual Master’s degrees in Social Work and in Criminology & Criminal Justice. I am grateful for every professor, mentor, advisor, and supporter who poured into me along the way. It is an honor to represent the Maverick community and to continue serving with the values that were instilled in me here