Claudette Williams, a proven leader and problem solver, delivers keynote addresses and presentations drawing upon her experience as a Sergeant Major in the US Army. Her personal endeavors to overcome statistics and access higher goals led her to achieve the rank of Sergeant Major, a position earned by less than 1% of the US Armed Forces. With 30 years of service in the US Army, her missions included serving in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. Ms. Williams led her soldiers in missions to Iraq, Afghanistan, Dubai, the Oman regions, Kuwait, and several other areas in Southwest Asia.

Claudette is Mount Pocono’s Borough Council President. She is the first woman of color to be elected to this position. She is also the Chair of the Monroe County Democratic Committee; according to a local newspaper, she is the first African-American to hold the chair of any political party in the county’s history. Claudette also serves as a Police Commissioner for the Pocono Regional Police, where she is also the first African-American to hold a seat as a Commissioner.

A longtime resident of Mount Pocono, Claudette is an active community member. She is involved in many aspects of the community, such as the African-American Network, National Council of Negro Women, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the League of Women Voters, Disabled American Veterans, and as a member of the PA State Veteran Causes, among others.

Her latest projects include helping individuals in her community gain permanent resident status and citizenship through US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the Homeland Security Department. Claudette also recently presented the Mount Pocono Borough Council with a resolution to adopt the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Junior Council Person Program. The program seeks to educate and involve the youth of the borough in their local government, and to reach out to possible future members of the council, benefitting the youth and all borough residents.

Claudette has earned numerous civilian and military awards. The Mount Pocono Citizen Award was presented to her upon her return from Iraq.

While she is proud of her many accomplishments and contributions, Claudette highlights her greatest as being the mother of three beautiful children, Brianna and fraternal twins Kwame and Niambi. Claudette affirms: “My strength, dedication, and drive are founded upon the biblical scripture: ‘For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required’. I see, hear, feel and know that the purpose of my life is to empower, be the truth, stand in the gap and build bridges for those who can’t.”