Dr. Lovoria B. Williams, PhD, RN, FAAN, leads CCTS  initiatives to advance health for all, providing strategic guidance on health disparities research, community engagement, participatory research, and fostering welcoming environments. She facilitated expansion of the Disparities Researcher Equalizing Access for all coMmunities (DREAM) Scholars program, which is now in its sixth year, from an informal mentoring program into a multidisciplinary, structured career development program for health equity focused predocs, postdocs and early career faculty.

Dr. Williams is a tenured professor in the UK College of Nursing and holds the Sally Humphrey Professorship in Cancer Health Equity at the NCI-designated Markey Cancer Center. 

Advancing health equity among historically underserved communities in partnership with community health workers in Black church settings is at the heart of Dr. Williams’ research. She trains community health workers to deliver behavioral interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease, reduce weight, and increase lung cancer screening uptake.

Hallmarks of her leadership include mentorship and the development of psychologically safe environments. She is the ideal contact for questions related to engagement with communities of color, community advisory board development and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.