Tamara C. Williams is a jazz vocalist, composer, writer, activist, and arts administrator with several years of experience developing music programs with non-profit organizations, colleges, and universities. Mrs. Williams served as Program Manager for the Young People's Chorus of New York City®; Associate Director of the William Paterson University Music After School Program in Paterson, NJ; Partnership Coordinator for the Music Discovery Partnership with the JCC Thurnauer School of Music in Englewood, NJ; Mentor and Graduate Assistant at the Michigan State University Community Music School-Detroit; and Vocal Jazz Ensemble Director with Jazz House Kids in Montclair, NJ.
Prior to arts administration, Mrs. Williams volunteered with domestic violence and sexual assault organizations in the greater St. Louis area. Using spoken word poetry, she became a spokesperson and advocate for the prevention of violence against women, HIV/AIDS prevention, and recovery for substance abusers. Mrs. Williams was invited to perform at various events across the U.S. where she would work with colleges and universities, hospitals, shelters, and government agencies to promote awareness and prevention of these issues.
In 2012, Mrs. Williams was recognized for her work with arts programs by receiving an award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women as a Trailblazer in Arts and Culture. She received her A.A. in English from Southwestern Illinois College; her B.A. in Music with an emphasis in Classical and Jazz Voice from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville; and her M.M. in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University.
Mrs. Williams founded Music Beyond Measure in January 2013 where she continues to promote the arts as an aid in trauma recovery for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and individuals suffering from PTSD.