For LaTasha Williams, serving her community through social work is deeply rooted in lived experience, generational resilience, and a commitment to breaking the cycle of violence. As a Case Manager in the Tarrant County Criminal Courts supporting the Domestic Violence Diversion Program, and as the Founder and Executive Director of Cheryl’s Voice, she channels both professional expertise and personal purpose into healing, advocacy, and prevention.
Through her work in the courts, she supports accountability, behavioral change, and community safety. Through Cheryl’s Voice, she honors her mother by uplifting children and families impacted by domestic violence, offering community giveaways, educational workshops, and prevention initiatives designed to empower survivors and build safer futures.
Her journey exemplifies the power of social work, shaping adversity into service, empowerment, and lasting change.
LaTasha Williams poses for a photo. (Courtesy photo.)
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in social work?
A: My journey started with my own lived experience. I survived domestic violence as a child and lost my mother to it. The pain of that loss shaped my desire to become an advocate for other children left behind, who often go unheard. I wanted to turn tragedy into purpose and ensure no one feels alone in the moments when they most need support. Social work became the vehicle that allowed me to transform trauma into healing, service, and systemic change.
Q: What is one project, initiative, or accomplishment you’re especially proud of?
A: I am extremely proud of creating Cheryl’s Voice, a nonprofit that not only honors my mother but also dedicated to providing support, education, and resources to families impacted by domestic violence. One of our most meaningful initiatives is our community giveaways which provides basic need items to those who have experienced loss due to violence. Every event, partnership, and workshop continue my mother’s legacy and gives hope to families who need it most.
Q: What challenges have you faced in your work, and how have you navigated them?
A: One of the biggest challenges I face is the difficulty of getting people to engage in honest conversations about domestic violence. It is one of the most prevalent yet most hidden issues in our communities. Many people are reluctant to talk about it, support awareness efforts, or acknowledge how deeply it affects children and families. This silence can make advocacy work feel isolating at times.
I navigate these challenges by staying committed to the mission, building strategic partnerships, and trusting that even small acts of service can create generational change. My faith, resilience, and the stories of the families we serve keep me grounded and remind me why this work must continue even when support is limited.
Q: What advice would you share with current social work students or recent graduates?
A: Social work is more than a profession; it’s a calling. Give yourself permission to grow, ask questions, and take care of your mental health. Build relationships, find mentors, and stay open to unexpected opportunities. Most of all, lead with compassion, integrity, and humility. The work you do may not always be easy, but it will always matter. And always remind yourself of your WHY.
Q: How do you stay connected to the values and mission of social work in your everyday life?
A: I stay connected by showing up; through advocacy, community education, and elevating the voices of those who have been silenced. Whether in the courtroom, at a speaking engagement, or through Cheryl’s Voice, I strive to uphold the core values of dignity, service, social justice, and the belief that every person has inherent worth. Social work isn’t just my job; it is part of who I am.
Thank you to the UTA School of Social Work for choosing to highlight my story. This recognition means more than words can express. UTA played a significant role in shaping both my personal and professional journey, especially as I completed my dual Master’s degrees in Social Work and in Criminology & Criminal Justice. I am grateful for every professor, mentor, advisor, and supporter who poured into me along the way. It is an honor to represent the Maverick community and to continue serving with the values that were instilled in me here.