Wendy Walker Williams is the Executive Director of Community Partnerships with the University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement. In this role, Wendy ensures community stakeholders are informed and engaged in UChicago’s efforts to provide social and economic opportunities in neighboring South Side communities. Working closely with community leaders and elected officials, Wendy helps create and advance community engagement strategies that build and sustain strong partnerships and connect community stakeholders across the South Side to the University. An advocate for affordable housing, Wendy has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, civic engagement, land use planning, and community development. Wendy is currently the Chairman of the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC). She serves as Secretary and Trustee of the Du Sable Museum of Black History and Education Center, a Board of Directors of ACLUIL Chicago Chapter member, and the South Chapter liaison to the board of the Independent Voters of Illinois Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO.) Wendy is the mother of two teenagers, which keeps her extremely busy. She is active in many national and local civic organizations.