Carrington Williams found her purpose at Slippery Rock University through leadership, service, belonging and mentorship. When she first came to SRU, Williams was unsure of her exact direction, but with the help of mentors in the campus community, she is now set to graduate next month as an experienced leader, ready to pay her inspiration forward and empower others through nonprofit service.
Williams, a senior dual management and interdisciplinary studies major from Verona (Neighborhood Academy HS), benefited from experiences in and out of the classroom at SRU.
“SRU has prepared me so well for life after graduation and I’ve built bonds with my advisers and professors that go beyond the classroom,” said Williams, who has a major concentration in nonprofit and philanthropy management and a minor in leadership. “Attending SRU showed me that getting involved is how you make friends, and seeing other people create strong bonds inspired me to do the same.”
Williams journey into SRU’s student organizations began after her student-mentor, Aniya Jackson, ’22, shared stories of her own inspiring experiences in University clubs and organizations, which included Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) and Queens Uniquely Empowering Every Notable Sister, a student organization dedicated to empowering women of color. Williams’ connection with Jackson planted a seed that would later grow into a full-fledged passion for making a difference extending beyond SRU, eventually leading to Williams holding the positions of vice president and treasurer of AKA.
“Alpha Kappa Alpha has been one of the best lifelong experiences – I’ve met so many women who are a part of the organization and working in philanthropy to make sure I am helping out my community where it needs help.” she said. “Being able to touch lives in the SRU community and the Pittsburgh area is an amazing experience. It opened so many doors for me, and I’ve met people I never would have otherwise. Organizations like AKA connect you with people who truly understand and grow with you.”
As a Bonner Leader, Williams also found a sense of belonging and purpose. The Bonner Leader Program, which connects students with meaningful service opportunities and nonprofit organizations, allowed her to see firsthand how community service and organizational leadership can create sustainable change.
“My overall experience has shaped who I am today,” Williams said. “I’ve truly grown through everything SRU has offered; the person who came to Slippery Rock isn’t the same person I am now. Learning everything about fundraising and community development has really set the foundation for my future – it’s about helping others and making an impact.”
Williams credits SRU’s close-knit environment and supportive faculty for creating spaces and opportunities where she could thrive. Whether in the classroom or in her service roles, she found mentors who encouraged her to take initiative and lead with authenticity.
“It’s amazing to have professors and staff who genuinely care,” Williams said. “Those relationships mean everything. As a Black woman, I wasn’t sure I’d find that sense of connection and safety, but I absolutely did here. The staff in the Office for Inclusive Excellence really care about all students. You can walk in anytime and they’ll listen with compassion.”
As she prepares to graduate in December, Williams is constantly involved in supporting the communities that shaped her perspectives on leadership and service. Working with the Black Male and Black Female Summer Leadership Institute at SRU, Williams helped coordinate a summer camp to bring Black high school students from the Pittsburgh area to experience what resources SRU offers.
Williams was previously chosen for an internship with the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh through a partnership with SRU and she now works as a development associate with Auberle, a human services nonprofit organization, where she supports fundraising efforts, donor engagement and event planning.
Williams hopes to continue her journey in the nonprofit sector, where she can combine her management skills with her passion for philanthropy to uplift communities and inspire others, just as her mentors inspired her throughout her time at SRU.
“Be exploratory – SRU is a safe space,” Williams advises other students. “Leaving your dorm and exploring is the best thing you can do. That’s how you find yourself and learn about the world around you.”
More information about campus life at SRU is available on the University’s website.
