Biography
Diane E. Williams is a native of Port Arthur, Texas. She holds a Master of Education Degree from North Central University, a Master of Arts Degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University (graduating with Honors) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle University.
Ms. Williams served 30 years of dedicated military service in the United States Army. She served in every leadership position culminating as a Brigade Command Sergeant Major. After 30 years of faithful service to her country and two years of enjoying retirement, she returned to the military life; this time as an Associate Professor at the United States Sergeant Major Academy. During her 15 years as an Associate Professor, she was the lead instructor and instrumental in the conversion of all instructors from contract to government service employees.
Ms. Williams has earned numerous military and civilian awards; most notable: The Legion of Merit, Six (6) Meritorious Service Medals, and five (5) Army Commendation Medals. She is also a recipient of the Aviation Corps Order of St. Michael Award – Silver Award. Ms. Williams has the honored of being the first female to obtain the rank of Aviation Command Sergeant Major and the first female to serve as an Aviation Brigade Command Sergeant Major.
Combining her military leadership experience with her love of community service, Ms. Williams dedicates countless hours in community activities as a member of the following organizations: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC., The Links, INC., National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, INC., the El Paso Sergeants Major Association and she is a charter member and President of Top Ladies of Distinction, INC. El Paso Chapter. In 2019 Ms. Williams was the first African America Female inducted into The NCO Leadership Center of Excellence Hall of Honor. Additionally, Ms. Williams was awarded the “Yellow Rose of Texas” by Governor Greg Abbott in 2019.
Ms. Williams is a leader in both the community and the Military. She has the honored of being the only African American female to inducted to the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence Hall of Honor. She is a charter member and was President 2019-2022 of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. El Paso Chapter. Under her leadership the organization contributed over $20,000 in scholarships, donated over 200 coats, gloves, and scarves to the Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home and local Senior Citizens Homes. She is the Vice President of the NAACP El Paso Branch and the Freedom Fund Committee Chair. She chair the January 2024 Civil Rights Jazz Brunch raising over $5000 for Scholarships. Ms. Williams is the Financial Secretary and Scholarship Chair of El Paso Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. As the scholarship chair she has organized fundraising events, raising over $50,000 for Scholarships. In 2023 she received the Minerva Award, the Chapter’s highest award. Ms. Williams served as the Vice President of the El Paso Sergeants Major Association, where she served on the scholarship committee raising over $15,000, for scholarships for children of enlisted soldiers. She serves on the El Paso Police Disciplinary Review Board. Ms. Williams was inducted into the 2024 El Paso Women’s Hall of Fame, for making a difference in the lives of others, and for her talent, skills, and dedication to being a positive role model for other women.