Alumni Spotlight: Chester Williams (Homegrown Leaders - East 2020)

Job: Chief Empowerment Officer of A Better Chance A Better Community (ABC2)

Currently Lives: Enfield in Halifax County

Hometown: Enfield

?Q: What are the greatest assets of rural N.C.?

A: In my opinion, the greatest assets of rural N.C. are the people, the culture and the natural resources available.?Rural N.C. is beautiful.?The people are phenomenal and have a strong sense of community.?Everyone is connected someway or somehow.?The culture, which is beautiful, professes through home cooked meals or recipes, the sounds of nature, and the tradition of worship, food festivals and backyard BBQs.?The natural beauty to experience a sense of peace and serenity from the beautiful lakes, rivers, streams, creeks with the natural walking or ATV trails.?Wildlife roaming free in the countryside.

Q: What are the biggest community economic development challenges facing your town/county?

A: In my opinion, the biggest community economic development challenges facing my town/county are the ability to have a vision and follow through; the true understanding of the assets available and a reality of the actual gaps we need to address; being able to embrace the true power of collaboration and inclusivity. But a lot of this has been shaken because of a history of mistrust and dishonesty with the people and community.?Making promises and decisions for the people without the people.?Focusing more on the problems than exploring realistic solutions.

Q: What is the best hidden gem in your region?

A: The best hidden gem in my region would be the Bellamy Mills (historic grist mills) and Dam on Fishing Creek located a few miles out of Enfield.?This site is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a natural beauty to see.

Q: Describe the impact that Homegrown Leaders has had on you both personally and professionally.

A: The Homegrown Leaders program has had, and continues to have, a tremendous impact on me personally and professionally. Personally, I have gained some lifelong friendships who understand the importance and passion of being a servant leader.?Also, a group of friends who hold each other accountable and ensure self-care is a priority in this work. Professionally, I have gained confidence in my leadership and a network of partners to collaborate with across the state.?It has afforded me and ABC2 the opportunity to build capacity and engage in more strategic areas of advocacy for rural NC

Q: What’s the best advice about leadership that you were ever given?

A: The best leaders know how to follow. Trust your gut! And your experiences are not just for you but paving the way and understanding of leadership for others who are watching.

Q: What gives you the greatest pride in your work?

A. Seeing others embrace and activate their own power, voice and confidence for what they believe in.?

The NC Rural Center has worked since 1987 to develop, promote, and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians. The Rural Center serves the state’s 78 rural counties, with a special focus on people with low-to-moderate incomes and communities with limited resources. To learn more about how the NC Rural Center is developing and supporting rural leaders across the state, visit?www.ncruralcenter.org.?