Youth leader and volunteer Katie Joy Williams selected for the 2026–2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service
October 5, 2026 – CHICAGO, IL — The Woodlawn Community Summit is proud to celebrate Katie Joy Williams, a longtime community volunteer who has been selected for the 2026–2028 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service.
For nearly two decades, the Woodlawn Community Summit and the South East Chicago Commission have brought neighbors, young people, community organizations, business owners, elected leaders and other stakeholders together around a shared commitment to strengthening Woodlawn and surrounding South Side communities. Katie Williams’ recognition reflects the promise of investing in young people and creating opportunities for them to participate, serve and lead.
Members of the Woodlawn Community Summit community have known Williams since her elementary school years at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and have watched her grow from a young student into an engaged community volunteer and emerging public-service leader.
Over the years, Williams has volunteered at the annual Woodlawn Community Summit, welcoming guests at registration, delivering welcome remarks and supporting an event centered on community engagement and collaboration.
“We have had the honor of watching Katie grow and of experiencing her service and leadership in our community for more than a decade. To see her represent Chicago’s South Side as a Voyager fills us with tremendous pride,” said Liz Gardner of the Woodlawn Community Summit Committee.
Today, Williams is a student at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, majoring in Government and Economics with a minor in Civic Engagement. Her public-service interests include community violence intervention and public safety policy, with an emphasis on solutions informed by the people and communities most directly affected.
The Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service is a two-year leadership development and scholarship program for college students who demonstrate a passion for helping others, experience serving their communities and an expansive view of what is possible through public service.
The 2026–2028 class includes students from 39 states and territories and 68 colleges and universities. First-generation college students make up 61 percent of the cohort.
“Katie reminds us why investing in young people and giving them opportunities to serve, lead and be heard matters. We are excited for the experiences ahead of her and look forward to seeing how she brings those lessons home and continues to make an impact,” said Diane Burnham, Executive Director of the South East Chicago Commission.
The Summit Planning Committee joins the broader Woodlawn and South Side community in congratulating Williams on this national recognition. Her achievement is also an inspiring reminder that tomorrow’s community leaders are already among us—learning, volunteering and finding meaningful ways to contribute.
The Woodlawn Community Summit is proud to have been part of Williams’ journey and looks forward to the accomplishments still ahead.
About the Woodlawn Community Summit
The Woodlawn Community Summit is a collaborative gathering of residents, young people, community organizations, elected leaders, business owners and other stakeholders committed to promoting the comprehensive growth, vitality and well-being of Woodlawn and surrounding South Side communities. woodlawnsummit.com
About the South East Chicago Commission
The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that facilitates and supports economic development in Chicago’s Southeast lakefront communities while fostering collaboration among businesses, organizations and institutions to advance community investment and economic vitality. secc-chicago.org
Published by Jared L. Kelly, CEI Media Group.