OUR LEADERSHIP

MEET THE
NEW YORK STATE NAACP
LEADERSHIP

PRESIDENT’S BIO

L. Joy Williams is a seasoned political strategist, civic leader, and dynamic speaker with a passion for empowering individuals and communities to engage in the democratic process. As President of NAACP New York State Conference, L. Joy is dedicated to advancing civil rights, advocating for social justice, and creating lasting change in her community. 

Through her work, L. Joy has built a reputation for delivering impactful speeches, training sessions, and workshops that inspire action. Whether leading discussions on policy reform, advocating for racial equity, or facilitating conversations on civic engagement, her voice resonates with audiences across the country.

L. Joy is also the host of the nationally recognized and five-time NAACP Image Award-nominated podcast, #SundayCivics. The show, which teaches adults how to understand and navigate the political system, has become a vital tool for those seeking to become more involved in civic life. Through candid interviews with policymakers, thought leaders, and community activists, #SundayCivics encourages listeners to take meaningful action in their communities.

Throughout her career, L. Joy has championed numerous advocacy efforts—from local campaigns to national initiatives—helping to shape public policy and galvanize communities to demand accountability from elected officials. Her leadership is not just about policy change but also about providing people with the tools to become advocates themselves, strengthening the civic fabric of our democracy.

Beyond her professional roles, L. Joy is deeply committed to personal empowerment and education. She believes that everyone has the ability to make a difference, and through both her public work and her podcast, she provides a platform for individuals to learn, grow, and take action in ways that align with their values.

Her work has earned recognition from organizations across the country, and she continues to be a trusted voice for progress and change. L. Joy’s tireless commitment to the cause of justice, equity, and civic engagement inspires those around her to believe in their own power to create a better future.

L. Joy Williams

PRESIDENT, NAACP NYS CONFERENCE

MEET THE TEAM LEADING

THE FIGHT IN NEW YORK STATE

  • TRACEY A. EDWARDS

    1ST VICE PRESIDENT

  • GARY JOHNSON

    2ND VICE PRESIDENT

  • CLAIRE THEOBALDS

    SECRETARY

  • ANTHONY ELLIS

    ASSISTANT SECRETARY

  • ROBYN LIVERPOOL

    TREASURER

  • HILDA RODGERS

    ASSISTANT TREASURER
    CO-CHAIR, W.I.N.

  • CHRISTOPHER ALEXANDER

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
    LEGAL REDRESS

  • LIZ MITCHELL

    CHIEF OF STAFF

  • SARISSA PHILLIPS-SINGLETARY

    EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

  • KISHA SKIPPER

    AT-LARGE
    CHAIR, DISABILITY & ACCESSIBILITY

  • WILBUR ALDRIDGE

    AT-LARGE
    CHAIR, FREEDOM FUND

  • CHARLES JOHNSON

    AT-LARGE
    CHAIR, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
    CHAIR, POLITICAL ACTION

MEET OUR STATE CHAIRS

  • NATALIE PATASAW

    CHAIR, ENVIRONMENTAL & CLIMATE JUSTICE

  • DR. DIVINE PRYOR

    CHAIR, CRIMINAL JUSTICE

  • GARRY JOHNSON

    CHAIR, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

  • CHRISTINE WATERS

    CHAIR, EDUCATION

  • FRANCESCA MESIAH

    CHAIR, HEALTH

  • GLORIA BENFIELD

    CHAIR, MEMBERSHIP

  • RAH THOMAS

    CHAIR, TECHNOLOGY

  • SHANELLE WASHINGTON

    CHAIR, HOUSING

  • REV. TYQUANA RIVERS

    RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

  • CLAUDIA SWANSEY

    CO-CHAIR, W.I.N.

  • LEROY GADSDEN

    CHAIR, PRISON COORDINATION

MEET OUR YOUTH & COLLEGE DIVISION

  • LINETTE TOWNSLEY

    NEW YORK STATE ADVISOR
    CHAIR, YOUTH WORKS

  • MYLES HOLLINGSWORTH

    PRESIDENT, YOUTH & COLLEGE

  • JARAYA BUCHANAN

    1ST VICE PRESIDENT

  • XZAYLA WILSON

    SECRETARY

  • SHANAE PHILLIPS

    TREASURER