About Me
My name is Renee Williams, a recent graduate student at the University at Buffalo. Upon my completion of my Bachelor’s degree in Criminology in 2020, I moved to Johnson City, NY where I then completed my masters in Human Resource Management in 2022. In 2024, I made the decision to continue my education in a masters in Criminology online at the University at Buffalo and have since graduated.
I have a strong academic foundation in both fields, and my current interests reflect the understanding in structural and social factors behind human behavior and the understanding and importance of a strong work environment that promotes equality, ethical leadership, and informed organizational decision-making.
I see value in both disciplines, and whether working with criminological topics, or more business-focused ones, I bring a strong desire to learn and work towards finding a future career path. I am currently working towards earning my SHRM-CP certification, with anticipation of certification by the end of 2025.
HRM Master’s Research Paper: Strategic Human Resource Plan for organization Riot Games
Criminology Master’s Research Paper Topic: Urban Inequality and Crime Throughout the Life Course
Community Involvement
As of 2020, I became an official mentor of an organization called FIRST Robotics. My husband, Drew Williams, and the other mentors of the team, sought out to provide a positive and educational experience for a group of students at Vestal High School in Vestal, NY. Each year we compete in a competitive game decided by FIRST to which the students design and build an entire robot from scratch with the guidance of the mentors.
Being able to mentor students in this capacity had further encouraged me to pursue a career path in education. I have had such an amazing opportunity to work with 20+ students on their road to find a field that they are interested in. Although my end goal is on a larger scale, I hope that I can take my knowledge as an educator and mentor and utilize it in my future goals.
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FIRST is an organization meant to “inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that develop STEM skills, foster innovation, and build well-rounded life capabilities, including self-confidence, communication, and leadership” (firstinspires.org).
Access to FIRST’s website: https://www.firstinspires.org/about/impact
Access to our team’s website: https://team2053.org/
November 2nd, 2024 Robot Rumble Event: 2nd Place
Of all my professional experiences, Sole City Coffee has been the greatest impact on my career and stands out as one of the most influential establishments in the community. I had started working there as a position while completing my Masters in Criminology and it had, without overexaggerating, changed how I viewed the importance of community and relationships.
The community and all of our regulars, my bosses, and my two other coworkers all played a huge role in changing how I was a person. I have since become more confident and I am proud of the work and character I have presented to others. I have grown very close with some of the people I have met while working here, and when I find a career within my field, it will be an emotional exit. What makes this position so impactful, is the tremendous support I have received from everyone in reaching my goals both educationally and professionally.
I will always be thankful.