Corinn Williams

Corinn Williams is the Executive Director and co-founder of the Community Economic Development Center (CEDC) of Southeastern Massachusetts, located in New Bedford, MA.14 She established the organization in 1997 and has since dedicated her life to helping immigrants and the North End community of New Bedford, where immigrants have historically congregated.4

As the director of CEDC, Williams oversees a wide range of services and initiatives aimed at supporting the immigrant community and long-term residents. Some of the key aspects of her work include:

1. Immigrant Support: The CEDC provides direct services and referrals on legal, health, employment, and education issues for immigrants.3 Williams is often at the forefront of assisting newly arrived immigrant families, many of whom are from Guatemala.1

2. Economic Opportunities: Under Williams' leadership, the CEDC helps both new immigrant families and long-term residents access economic opportunities through skill-building and providing critical resources.2

3. Neighborhood Revitalization: The organization promotes neighborhood revitalization in the North End of New Bedford.2

4. Crisis Management: Williams and her team have shown resilience in the face of adversity, such as bouncing back after a fire damaged their previous office building.12

5. Comprehensive Services: The CEDC offers a variety of services, including tax preparation, translation services, notarial procedures, and cultural activities.13

Williams' dedication to her work is evident in her long hours and commitment to the community. She has been recognized for her efforts, having been named New Bedford's Woman of the Year.4 Her approach to community development is rooted in trust and putting the needs of residents first, which has earned the CEDC a reputation as a reliable and committed organization in the community.2