Get to Know Vilma M. Williams

Vilma M. Williams is the Senior Manager for Engagement and Learning, previously Multilingual and Special Programs at the Council for Professional Recognition, Child Development Associate (CDA) Program. She oversees all special programs, and special populations ensuring that they receive the same level of top quality as all other primary programs, and integrates multilingual/special programs’ needs and concerns throughout all Council operations.  She has been involved in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 35 years. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our field. She studied Early Childhood Education/Child Development at Catholic University, Howard University, and the University of the District of Columbia. She speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese. She is an expert presenter and trainer. She has presented at many events throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, Cuba, Peru, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil, Germany, Korea, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. Her presentations cover an array of diverse topics in the field of early childhood education/child development, and home visitation, among others.  Mrs. Williams has received numerous awards for her continuous work and dedicated service to the field of early childhood education. Specifically, for her work with Latino children, families, and community, her educational support to the Migrant community and Indigenous nations in the United States, the Military community in the USA and abroad, and for her international work on behalf of the Council for Professional Recognition. 

Fun facts:

I was a soccer coach for my oldest son’s team for 9 years and we went to a Championship and WON!  I was the only female, Latina soccer coach in DC Ward 3.

I worked on TV in my country Peru since I was 4 years old (see picture) until I came to the USA (see a picture of me with the TV Camera)  I was in different children’s programs and then youth programs, I sang, and danced among other activities.

I have 2 sons David and Michael who are my life and 5 grandchildren whom I adore: Areli (Lily) 15, Estebitan (13), Davicito (12), Elenita (6), Mylo (4) and Baby Enoch (3 months).

I am married to David Hugh Williams who is from Chesapeake Bay, MD, and together we have learned to dance, to laugh, and to love each other’s cultures, our people, our languages, all our friends, and our God.

I love teaching and I volunteer at my grandchildren’s school where also my boys attended when they were little. I love to read to the children (see picture of the day of Halloween when I went dressed up as Snow White and surprised my granddaughter Elenita as “The mystery reader”  and read a story to her Kindergarten class).