In this month’s Economic Drivers series, we’re elevating Black leaders exclusively in honor of Black History Month. Today’s profile features Gemará Williams, a partner at Clarity Partners and member of the Illinois EDC executive advisory council (EAC), who has lived and worked in Illinois for 15 years.
What inspired your career path and industry involvement?
I always thought technology was ever evolving, and I have a passion to help people, so I believe my career path meets both while allowing me to help businesses achieve their desired outcomes.
As a Black leader in your field, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
I’ve navigated adversity by staying focused and resilient. Being young and Black, I’ve had to consistently prove myself, push past stereotypes and earn my seat at the table. Even when exceeding expectations, there is always the request to go above and beyond the individuals within my space.
Can you share a key moment in your career that shaped who you are today?
In my previous career, I was a professional athlete and competed at the highest level. There are a lot of stereotypes about athletes—some people assume we all retire with millions, while others believe most of us finish our careers in debt. My experience didn’t fit either narrative. I didn’t walk away with millions, but I also never saw myself as only an athlete. For me, it was important to pivot and successfully transition into a new career—both to build long-term stability and to show others that you can be more than the label people place on you.
Who are (or have been) some of your mentors, role models, or inspirations?
Barack Obama, Jesus, Kevin Hart, and my family.
What does success look like to you—professionally and/or personally?
Achieving my goals and standards while building and helping others. I also want to maintain high integrity in whatever I do.
How does being in Illinois contribute to your success as a Black leader (if it does)?
I’m a Detroit native, and Chicago is a big city. Building a successful career here without connections—and using that success to strengthen government and help build successful businesses—is what success looks like to me.
What do you love most about living and working in Illinois?
I love the people and the culture. Illinois is a melting pot of individuals who value networking and working toward the greater good of the community. Here, you have the opportunity to actually see the impact your efforts make across the state.
What policies, programs, or networks in Illinois have supported your professional growth or your organization’s mission?
National Forum of Black Public Administrators; National Football League Players Association; Ryan Banks Academy; and the Economic Club of Chicago.
How do you or your organization support your local community or underrepresented groups?
At Clarity Partners, we provide technology solutions for large government organizations, nonprofit organizations, and Fortune 1000 companies. We also create internship opportunities to support the next generation of developers and project managers, while advancing philanthropic initiatives that strengthen our communities. Our philosophy is simple: for every dollar we take from a community, we believe we have a responsibility to give back—so we can help stimulate and sustain that community.
Are there any initiatives or organizations in Illinois that you’re proud to support?
The National Forum of Black Public Administrators – Chicago Chapter.
What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
Black History Month is a time to pay tribute to leaders who overcame adversity, despite the color of their skin. The leaders we celebrate are more than individuals who accomplished great things in their fields. They are people who represented excellence, embraced their imperfections, and persevered through limited resources and humble beginnings. They paved the way for others to follow, and their legacies continue to inspire us today.
What would you say to a young Black professional considering launching or relocating their career to Illinois?
Hard work and perseverance are key to being successful and making an impact. A lot of people want success without the bumps and challenges along the way—but those challenges are the lessons. They build the wisdom that helps you make better decisions and grow into who you’re meant to become. My success comes from learning from those who came before me and from my own experiences. Even my losses have become lessons.
What else would you like to share about your story?
Growth is a continuous process, and I represent so much more than myself. My accomplishments are a true testament to hard work, resilience, and faith. I represent possibility. I’m an inspiration to the young man or young woman who has been told their dreams are impossible. I’m an inspiration to the adult who has to start over and has been told it’s too late. And for the individual who wants to be an entrepreneur—with a vision but no resources—I’m proof that it can be done. Through it all, I’ve learned to stay focused on building, helping others, and doing it with integrity. And for my children, I want you to always remember this: As long as you take care of others, God will always take care of you. Believe in yourself, and never allow your circumstances today to determine your position tomorrow.
Favorite book of all time:
Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcom Gladwell
Best business advice you’ve ever given (or received):
Never make permanent decisions based on temporary emotions.
RELATED POSTS
