Forty young professionals under the age of 40 were honored by the Young Professionals Initiative at the 40 Under 40 Gala on Dec. 5 at Horseshoe’s Riverdome. 

This award, presented by The Forum, recognizes the personal and professional achievements of outstanding members of the Shreveport-Bossier City community. Among the Top 40 nominees, Dr. Melva Williams was awarded the title of Young Professional of the Year by an executive committee.

More than 500 attended the gala, which was one of the largest attendance for 40 Under 40, Emerie Gentry, chairwoman of the YPI, said.

“It says a lot about this year’s 40 nominees that they would have so much support behind them,” Gentry said.

She said this record attendance also gives credit to the sponsors and the YPI’s hard work.

Williams was selected as Young Professional of the Year.

“I am truly honored,” Williams said. “I want to thank my work family because a lot of times you are at work more than you are at home with your family, so I want to thank them.” 

Williams is the executive associate to the chancellor at Southern University. Previously, she held the role of associate dean at Centenary College. 

Williams gave credit to Southern Chancellor Dr. Ray L. Belton for being the “best boss.”

“I want to thank the star in my sky, Steve Williams, my husband,” Williams said. “I am going to nominate him as businessman of the year, because it is a tough job being with me every single day. 

“I carry this honor on behalf of all the young professionals and all my ‘Scandal’ fans, all of the gladiators that do the work, thank you,” Williams said. 

Outside of her career, Williams has been an integral part in the charter school Magnolia School of Excellence. 

“My goal has always been to find ways not only to serve those within my profession of higher education, but to create opportunities that enhance the teaching and learning experience at all levels, for all students,” Williams said. “In 2012, I helped to formulate a nonprofit board that assists in addressing the disparities of K-12 education in public schools in Caddo Parish. The Foundation chartered the Magnolia School of Excellence.” 

Magnolia is a free public charter school that enrolled over 600 students during its first year and now hosts over 800 students. 

“The school serves as source of pride in our community; and indeed, I am proud to be a part of its founding and to be instrumental in its management,” Williams said. “This accomplishment will certainly serve as a catalyst for education in Caddo Parish for decades to come.”

Williams is a founding board member of the Shreveport Charter Foundation, where she along with seven of her colleagues built the first new school in Caddo Parish in more than 30 years.

“Over the years, I have been instrumental in building the lives of others. I think an asset to my ability to inspire others is that I am an excellent communicator which lends itself to an opportunity to positively influence others,” Williams said. 

Williams said she also supports the community in a variety of manners.

“By giving my time, sharing my experiences, and donating funds to many organizations in the Caddo Parish area has made me a better person,” she said.

Get a stage view of the 40 nominees accepting their awards by visiting the 40 Under 40 Gala photo gallery.