Erica Williams’ life has been a testament to defying the odds. Growing up in north St. Louis as one of 10 children, she endured hardship, including the death of two siblings, one to gun violence.

She was determined to rise above those challenges and saw education as the path forward. That determination carried her into the classroom, where she now shows students that their ZIP code does not define their future.

“My skin looks like them. My dialect — I sound like them as well. But I also foster a sense of hope,” she said.

Williams, now assistant school leader at Momentum Academy in Tower Grove, is being recognized for her deep commitment to children. She is one of five Excellence in Education honorees who will be celebrated at the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala, sponsored by the

See Full Page