Ethnic GEM: Joseph “Joe” Williams Jr. Managing Director, The Mission Investments Company, The COMMUNITY Foundation for Greater New Haven
“Building Bridges to Economic Emancipation”
Joseph Williams, Managing Director
“My father taught me that success means nothing if you’re not lifting others as you climb.” — Joseph Williams Jr.
Submitted by the Ethnic Online Editorial Team
When it comes to empowering communities and creating opportunities for others to thrive, Joseph “Joe” Williams Jr. stands out as a force for good. Originally from Springfield, Massachusetts, Joe has proudly called Connecticut home since 1994, where his work continues to shape the state’s entrepreneurial landscape.
A Mission Rooted in Community
As Managing Director of The Community Foundation Mission Investments Company (TCF MIC), Joe leads the New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (NHE3) — an ambitious initiative designed to ensure every entrepreneur, regardless of background, has the chance to succeed. Through NHE3, Joe connects resources, builds partnerships, and inspires collaboration, helping to create a truly inclusive and sustainable ecosystem in New Haven.
“Entrepreneurship,” Joe says, “is one of the most powerful tools for transformation. It’s how we build wealth, opportunity, and dignity within our communities.”
From Vision to Impact
Joe’s professional journey reflects his lifelong commitment to service and growth. After earning a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and an MBA from Southern Connecticut State University, he spent nearly a decade as a Trusted Small Business Development Advisor at the University of Connecticut School of Business. There, he mentored entrepreneurs across Connecticut, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful enterprises.
His earlier roles — including President of Williams Capital Partners, VP of Development and Marketing at the Urban League of Greater Hartford, and Regional Director at Middlesex Community College — demonstrate his deep understanding of how education, business, and community intersect.
Guided by Greatness
Joe’s greatest influences include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and his father, Reverend Joseph Williams Sr. “They taught me that leadership is about integrity, compassion, and commitment,” he reflects. These principles have guided Joe through every role he’s held.
A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the Prince Hall Masons, Joe also serves on multiple boards and has been recognized as one of the NAACP’s 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut, as well as the recipient of Southern Connecticut State University’s Outstanding Stakeholder Impact Award.
Beyond the Boardroom
When he’s not driving economic initiatives, Joe enjoys golfing, deep-sea fishing, traveling, and spending time with his two children. Looking ahead, he envisions leading his own foundation or enterprise — continuing to champion entrepreneurship and equity for generations to come.
Joe William’s Accomplishments & Contributions fully demonstrates what it means to be an Ethnic GEM!