Rose A. Williams is the Founder and Executive Director of Harambe Social Services, Inc. The agency (Harambe) was founded in 2013 as a response to the lack of culturally specific services for Black/African American communities who are victims and survivors of domestic violence. Harambe is rooted in African centered philosophy and founded on the principles of Nguzo Saba which we typically associate with Kwanzaa. However, Ms. Williams believes that those principles are a natural fit for the issues related to violence in the community, especially domestic violence and sexual assault. Harambe’s primary focus is community education related to the awareness and prevention of domestic violence. During 2015 Harambe reached over 400 middle and high school age students presenting healthy relationship workshops.
Ms. Williams draws upon over 25 years of direct service, advocacy, project development and training. For thirteen years she the Social Justice Administrator for the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence where she successfully led the implementation of the statewide Inclusion and Access Initiative a strategic plan addressing inequities in services for victims of domestic violence at New Jersey domestic violence agencies. Ms. Williams co-authored The Report on Culturally Competent Domestic Violence Programs in New Jersey in January 2006. The report was the impetus for The Inclusion and Access Initiative in 2007 to address the lack of culturally relevant services for historically marginalized populations in New Jersey at New Jersey domestic violence programs.
Ms. Williams is respected as a trainer for a wide range of audiences including community based organizations and domestic violence agencies. She has been an adjunct trainer with Beyond Diversity for 10 years. Ms. Williams holds a Master’s degree in Social Work Administration from Temple University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mental Health Technology from Drexel University (formerly Hahnemann University) in Philadelphia.
In her leisure time, Ms. Williams enjoys traveling with her family, particularly somewhere with a beach and a competitive game of Words With Friends.
Summaya Coleman is our Special Projects Coordinator at Harambe Social Services. Known in many communities as “Sumayya Fire”, she uses her social justice ministry platform to specifically shine light on injustice issues and magnify marginalized voices in African American communities by including and centering survivor’s experiences. A movement builder and Elder, she is a legacy recipient of several awards, a national trainer, educator and speaker for conferences, local community and faith-based events.
Taneshia Dixon is the Victim Advocate Supervisor at Harambe Social Services. She has worked in the social services field for 16 years. She graduated from Stockton University in May 2022 with a master’s degree in Social Work. Taneshia professional experiences includes working with the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disability, sex offenders, at risk youth, children, and families. Additionally she has provided in-home counseling and support to children and their families. Her personal experiences and desire to educate the community on how to prevent all forms of abuse is what drives her. She continues to help all survivors who come across her path on their journey towards healing.
Lillian Alonzo is a consultant for Harambe Social Services. Lillian helps produce the “We Hear You” podcast and runs the social media accounts for Harambe Social Services. She graduated from Haverford College in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a minor in Health Studies. Lillian has a background in social advocacy, education, and public health. She aspires to become an OB/GYN where she aims to serve women in her community and decrease the maternal death rate for black women in the U.S.
Londa-Vo`ncile “Lioness” Desormeau is the Community Outreach Coordinator at Harambe Social Services. She attended New Jersey City University with a major in Sociology and minor in African American Studies. While attending NJCU, she worked for the Lee Hagan Africana Studies Department as a Personal Assistant to the Director and Administrative Staff. With a collective of friends and NJCU students, Lioness faithfully participated in a Food and Clothing drive in Jersey City that served the community twice a month. She was a Member, Personal Assistant and a Lead Singer of Exodus Supreme Band of Paterson, NJ for 25 years. Lioness is an accomplished artist in the fields of visual, fashion, and jewelry design.
With her community roots being established in Paterson, NJ & Brooklyn, NY, and cultivated in Jersey City, NJ, Lioness has learned how to connect, incorporate, develop, and demonstrate a communal mindset through the arts, community outreach and colloquium preparations. In her role at Harambe Social Services, Lioness has been given a platform to incorporate her creative thinking toward connecting Winslow County residents, Municipalities, partners, and New Jersey State officials with the outlook and purpose of terminating Domestic and Sexual Violence. “My life has prepared me to be of service to survivors and victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence, and to help them heal from the lingering scars thereof. It is a collective work, and I will always be a voice for the voiceless while inspiring everyone to do the same.”
Angela Cunningham has worked in the human services field for five years. She is currently a graduate student at The School of Social Work and Behavioral Science, Springfield College and is obtaining her Master’s Degree in Human Services with a concentration of Organizational Leadership. Angela previously worked as a Domestic Violence and Crisis Intervention Advocate for several years and has a true passion to help people to be safe from domestic violence. Other work experience that she has worked on is developing skills as a caregiver for hospice patients and families who were in need of in-home care for their loved ones. Angela chose to step away from the ecommerce businesses that she acted as a manager in Philadelphia, PA and was happy to dive into the field of human services to support different populations. After graduation (May 2024) she looks to continue her education in the field of social work and is setting a goal to get her LSW.