Circara N. Williams, MSW
Program Director
Queens Family Emergency Shelter

Ms. Williams serves as the Program Director for the JFK Hotel 94 Queens Family Emergency Shelter.  She has worked in the field of social services since 2006 in concentrations including but not limited to: New York City Housing Authority Permanent Affordability Commitment Together program, adoptions, foster care, repatriation, juvenile and adult criminal justice, neighborhood safety, community organization, therapeutic schooling, homelessness, substance abuse, mental health, etc.  Ms. Williams has served in a series of roles within the private and non-profit sector, as well as city government agencies such as the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, and the New York City Department of Homeless Services.

Ms. Williams’ goal and capabilities have been coined into one phrase by all who know her professionally and personally “you make things better, and you’re as good as you say you are;” a fulfilling realization, and commitment.  Humble, and not one of many words, Ms. Williams’ approach is to talk less and allow her personality and capabilities to be demonstrated through her principals and performance, much of what was instilled in her upbringing through the help of a strong familial support system and honed with the backing of a few amazing supervisors.  Her intentions are to excel at any task at hand whether achieving it alone or ensuring she has a strong team.   

Ms. Williams began her career in the field of social services at random after unexpectedly being asked by an Executive Director of a not-for-profit agency, if she would be interested in taking on a role in which Ms. Williams had not an ounce of experience.  After accepting the opportunity, Ms. Williams who at the time had obtained a Bachelors of Arts degree, sought to grow in the field of social services and achieved a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Forensic Social Work, graduating Magna Cum Laude while also balancing a full-time job and part-time internships.  Ms. Williams is not all work however; to keep her even-keyed, she needs a balance, and therefore appreciates partaking in enjoyable pastimes.  A proud member of the impactful community service-driven sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, established in the year 1908, Ms. Williams serves communities in need on and off the clock, continues to be blessed, and is delighted to be a part of such a connected, supportive, and impactful team within the AAPCI family.