Dr. LaKeisha Williams is a passionate advocate for community wellness, health equity, and self-advocacy. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master of Science in Public Health from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She further completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at Xavier University and an NIH Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) Fellowship at Tulane University.

Dr. Williams currently serves as a Clinical Associate Professor in Xavier’s College of Pharmacy and as Director of Community Engagement and Outreach for the Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education. She also leads the Community Engagement and Outreach Core for Xavier’s RCMI Cancer Research Center and the Community Engagement Core for the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center (LACaTS).

With expertise in public health, research, and health promotion, Dr. Williams designs and implements programs that empower individuals and communities to take charge of their health. She has led community forums, health education workshops, and faith-based initiatives addressing diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cancer prevention, HIV, medication safety, and other chronic conditions. Her work translates evidence-based research into practical strategies that improve health literacy, promote wellness, and reduce disparities.

As Principal Investigator for the Louisiana Community Engagement Alliance (LA-CEAL) and other state and community programs aimed at improving health outcomes, she partners with clinics, churches, schools, and grassroots organizations to provide education, enhance research participation, reduce barriers to care, and promote equitable access to health resources.

A dedicated clinical pharmacist, Dr. Williams provides medication management and chronic disease care to patients in an outpatient ambulatory clinic. She also serves as a mentor and preceptor to pharmacy and physician assistant students, residents, and fellows, guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals to integrate clinical practice, research, and community engagement.

Deeply committed to serving her community, Dr. Williams leads initiatives that foster preventive care, empower informed decision-making, and connect individuals to vital resources. Guided by faith, she believes that true wellness is strengthened through knowledge, empowerment, and community. Through her teaching, research, clinical practice, and community outreach, she inspires individuals and communities to take ownership of their health, manage chronic conditions effectively, and embrace stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.