Q&A with Lanice Williams, North America Global Fellows Representative

In this Q&A with Lanice Williams, the 2025 North America Global Fellows Representative, we delve into what it means to pay it forward as leader. Lanice is a 2022 North America Global Fellow and currently serves as the Director of Advocacy, Communications, and Partnerships at Data2X. Lanice’s technical expertise spans gender equality, HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, and health equity. 

What is your vision for empowering the next generation of young women and adolescent girls as catalysts for lasting change?

I believe the next generation of women doesn’t need to be empowered. What they need is for barriers to be removed. That includes factors that hold them back—things that prevent them from participating politically and limit what they can access from their social and economic participation. To achieve true equality and equity, we must dismantle systems of oppression. The next generation of gender-diverse leaders know what change they want to see. I’m hopeful that this generation will define “revolutionary” and step up and lead us through some of the most challenging times ahead.

What inspired you to serve as the North America Global Fellows Representative?

I want to help provide other WomenLift Health Global Fellows opportunities to connect and continue to build strong communities. I instinctively tend to connect and build community, and I had been doing that with the WomenLift alumnae community even prior to taking on this representative role. I believe in the power of the community, and the WomenLift North America Global Fellows chapter has grown to 169 this year. Together, we can accomplish so much in building each other up, supporting job changes or transitions, and serving as a strong support system for each other.

What do you wish you knew earlier in your global health career?

I wish I could tell my younger self that it’s okay to make mistakes. Early in my career, I was a perfectionist. I want to tell early career women in global health that it’s okay to make mistakes, ask questions, and that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. Asking questions will help you get on the right track. For women in global health who are earlier in their careers, I want them to know that they are not alone. Programs like WomenLift Health’s Leadership Journey can provide a powerful community of peers. Additionally, allies can come in many forms—don’t be afraid to seek them out. Some of my biggest male champions and allies are Chris Collins, Amb (ret.) Mark P. Lagon, and John Cape.

How do you see allies playing into the future of gender equality in global health?

Male allyship is also key to advancing gender equality in global health. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with individuals who not only recognized the need for greater representation of women in leadership but actively championed it. Their advocacy, mentorship, and willingness to challenge systemic barriers have made a tangible difference—not just for me but for many women striving for leadership roles in global health (read the Q&A part 1 and part 2). One example is my collaboration with Chris Collins, who has been a strong ally in this space. Through our work together when I worked at Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, I have seen firsthand how intentional allyship can create pathways for more women to step into leadership roles. Chris has used his platform to amplify the voices of Black women and women of color, advocate for equitable policies, and foster inclusive leadership structures. His actions highlight that male allyship isn’t just about supporting individual women—it’s about transforming systems to ensure that leadership opportunities are accessible to all qualified candidates. As we look to the future of gender equality/equity in global health, stronger allyship will be a key driver of progress. Allies—male or female—must continue to advocate for inclusive policies, challenge leadership norms, and create cultures where diverse leadership is encouraged and expected.

What was the most powerful part of your Leadership Journey?

The most powerful part of my Leadership Journey was the deep connections I built with my peers—leaders from diverse backgrounds who share a commitment to advancing global health equity. These relationships became a source of learning, inspiration, and solidarity, reinforcing the idea that leadership is not a solo endeavor but a collective effort. Through this journey, I gained critical skills in strategic influence and systems thinking—tools that have reshaped how I approach my work. More importantly, it challenged me to step fully into my role as a leader—not just within my organization but in the broader global health landscape. I see leadership not as a title but as the ability to drive change, uplift others, and push for equitable solutions that make an impact. I also believe as a contributor and leader, I have a responsibility to shape policies, challenge biases, and create space for diverse voices at decision-making tables.

What are your goals as a representative for the North America Global Fellows in 2025?

One important goal is to foster a sense of community, especially in these unprecedented precedented times, as the global health landscape shifts real-time. Many of us are questioning what our roles in this evolving space. I see the WomenLift Health North America chapter as a vital community where people can build meaningful connections—whether that means forming alliances for work they wish to pursue, advocating for local, state, federal, or even global policy changes, or simply supporting one another. I envision this community as a space where individuals can be their full authentic selves, freely ask questions, and exchange ideas. Additionally, I would love to see more opportunities for alumnae engagement, including a global convening that brings together alumni from all regions, not just North America.

What would you like to say to the incoming 2025 NA cohort?

To the incoming 2025 cohort of health North America Leadership Journey—congratulations and welcome to the WomenLift Health community!  Although you are not alumnae [now called Global Fellows] yet, I was once in your shoes. It’s normal to start this journey wondering, “Am I supposed to be here? “Did I make the right choice? What do they see in me? “I asked myself those same questions, especially as I struggled with imposter syndrome. But know this— you are exactly where you are supposed to be and you will learn more about yourself throughout this journey. One of the most important lessons is the power of authenticity: showing up as your true self, not changing who you are, but understanding how you can grow as a leader. This experience will help you lead from where you are, make decisions that strengthen your team, and drive meaningful institutional change. Welcome to the journey—I can’t wait to see all that you will accomplish!

The WomenLift Health Leadership Journey is a fully-funded, 12-month program that provides mid-career women the safe space to explore their authentic leadership through vulnerability and reflection, an inclusive and diverse network which fosters a strong sense of belonging, tools and strategies for enhancing their voice, presence, and influence – all the while being supported by a powerful group of peers, mentors, and coaches. Learn more about the North America Leadership Journey  and our current cohort members.