Foundation Connections

Felicia Williams, MS, LCAS, is a dynamo, a dedicated Program Manager with the NBCC Foundation, and someone who radiates warmth and wisdom. Her job is all about professional development, retention, and engagement, but she makes it clear that it’s so much more than just a role. From the moment new Fellows and Scholars are awarded, Felicia is there, ensuring they feel supported, inspired, and ready to tackle the world. She’s celebrating every milestone and cheering on their growth. “What excites me most is the opportunity to connect with the emerging leaders, all eager to make a difference in the world,” she shared. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see how much they grow, personally and professionally.”

 

Felicia’s work is rooted in her passion for creating opportunities that can change lives. At the NBCC Foundation, she’s proud to be part of a team that provides a “foundation” for Fellows and Scholars to serve their communities, especially diverse populations, in meaningful ways. Seeing counseling students transform their career trajectories in just one year drives her. “We’re not just offering resources,” she said. “We’re empowering them to build skills, embrace new opportunities, and become leaders in their field.”

 

Felicia’s journey to this role is as inspiring as the work she does today. A psychology major at Winston-Salem State University, she found her calling during an internship at a mental health clinic. At the same time, she worked at a clothing store, which gave her invaluable insights into the challenges women face and the strength they often hide beneath the surface. “I realized that many women suffer in silence,” she said. “It’s not about the clothes they wear—it’s about helping them see their beauty and strength within.”

 

This realization led her to a decade of work at a women’s treatment center, where she helped women rediscover their authentic selves. But Felicia eventually felt a pull to understand the systems and policies shaping mental health care. That curiosity brought her to the NBCC Foundation, an organization she describes as perfectly aligned with her passion for making an impact. After gaining experience in policy and procedures in the NBCC Continuing Education Department, she knew the Foundation was where she belonged. “This position felt like it was made for me,” she said proudly, giving a special shoutout to NC A&T State University, her master’s alma mater, for preparing her to serve her community. #AggiePride!

 

Felicia’s commitment to her community doesn’t stop at the Foundation. She started working with local addiction agencies during her time with the Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities (TASC), where she referred individuals on probation to mental health and addiction services. That role deepened her understanding of the barriers to recovery and inspired her to do more. Now, with over 10 years at Fellowship Hall in Greensboro, North Carolina, Felicia also serves on the Board of Directors for Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS). Her connection to ADS is personal—the organization was founded by someone in recovery. “Their mission to ensure access to treatment in our communities resonates deeply with me,” she said.

 

Her unique blend of experience and passion shines in her work with NBCC Foundation Fellows and Scholars. Felicia doesn’t just offer professional development opportunities to Fellows and Scholars, she fosters belonging, celebrates their achievements, and helps them align their personal goals with their professional aspirations. “I’ve seen firsthand the importance of creating supportive environments,” she said. “Meeting people where they are and giving them the tools they need to thrive is at the core of what I do.”

 

Felicia’s advice to new counselors is simple but powerful: take care of yourself. “The best advice I’ve ever received is to take a vacation,” she laughed. “Burnout is real, and you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking time to recharge allows me to show up as my best self for those I serve.”

 

She credits much of her success to her mentor, who taught her the value of empathy, resilience, and self-care. “They showed me how to embrace my authentic self and use my experiences as a strength,” she said. That influence has shaped her leadership style, which she describes as rooted in encouragement and empowerment.

 

Her warmth and authenticity shine through in everything she does, and she’s the first to admit that her life has been full of surprises. Not everyone guesses that she’s an addiction counselor when they meet her, and even fewer realize she’s a Mexican woman who doesn’t speak Spanish. But Felicia sees these moments as opportunities to connect with others and challenge assumptions.

 

When asked about her “superpower,” Felicia doesn’t hesitate: it’s her ability to connect with people on a deep, genuine level. Whether she’s working with awardees, supporting her family, or advocating for her community, she brings empathy, patience, and an unwavering belief in the power of human connection. “Motherhood has strengthened this superpower,” she says. “It’s taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of unconditional support.”

 

Felicia’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and her dedication to the NBCC Foundation’s mission is undeniable. Her ability to build bridges, foster growth, and help others see the beauty and potential within themselves is a gift that resonates far beyond her role at the NBCC Foundation. For those lucky enough to know her, Felicia is the kind of person who makes the world feel a little brighter, one connection at a time.

Visit our website to learn more about the Foundation and how you can join us to leverage the power of counseling to advance global health equity through expanded access to counseling and mental health services.

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