Inner City Intellectual

Clifton Strengths – Futuristic, Input, Includer, Positivity, Ideation.

Myers-Briggs Personality Type – INFJ

Mariah Meachem-Williams is a dedicated career coach and advocate for economically disadvantaged populations. She has a deep-rooted commitment to supporting individuals from marginalized backgrounds. Professionally, Mariah serves as a Project Director overseeing a $500,000 federal grant at a small private liberal arts college in North Carolina.

Originally from the South Bronx, NYC, Mariah’s own experiences growing up in an economically disadvantaged community have fueled her passion for providing career resources to at-risk youth and adults. She has worked extensively with diverse populations, including individuals with intellectual and learning disabilities, as well as youth transitioning back into society after involvement with the criminal justice system.

In her role as a Career Services Specialist at a large non-profit in New York City, Mariah provided career coaching and academic advisement to high school students, undergraduates, and adult clients. She has extensive experience developing personalized career action plans and organizing numerous workforce readiness events to help individuals pursue successful careers.

Her work spans various roles, including as a Career and Technical Education Teacher at a nationally renowned alternative school program, where she supported high-risk students in grades 6-12 within a trauma-informed educational framework.

Mariah’s academic journey has been just as driven. She holds an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, a Master of Public Administration and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Policy and Administration at Walden University.

Her forthcoming academic publication in The Guardianship Academic Journal focuses on dismantling the public housing to prison pipeline, which highlights her commitment to social justice. Her research is valued by the academic community, as evidenced by her election to speak at the Northeastern Conference on Public Administration in November 2024 (NECoPA).

Mariah’s diverse background also includes experience as an Information Technology Recruiter, Academic Advisor, and Engineering Teacher. She is a passionate advocate for workforce development and academia, with a vision for systemic change in both education and career pathways for underserved communities.