Nicole Williams’ legacy of youth empowerment through the arts is deeply rooted in her childhood, where a passion for music and a sense of purpose were born. As a young girl, Nicole fell in love with Whitney Houston’s anthem, “Greatest Love of All.” She would often retreat to her room, blaring the song at total volume, dancing and singing with all her heart. Her siblings would bang on her door, pleading to stop singing loudly, but Nicole couldn’t help herself—the lyrics spoke to her soul. In those moments, as she sang, “I believe the children are our future; teach them well and let them lead the way,” Nicole’s passion for empowering children like herself ignited. The song became her anthem, a reminder that greatness lies within her and every other child who dared to dream.
This early passion laid the foundation for Victory Music & Dance Company Inc., a minority, women-owned 501(c)3 corporation Nicole leads as CEO today. For over ten years, Nicole has tirelessly worked to elevate arts education and youth empowerment in the underserved communities of Brooklyn. Her journey began in her South Carolina bedroom to the boardrooms of New York corporations, where she migrated in 1996 to pursue a dream of helping others in Human Resources Management. Moving to the big city as a southern girl, Nicole knew that God had a purpose for her to fulfill: to make a difference in the lives of young people.
Transitioning from the corporate world to community service is a testament to her dedication and vision.Driven by faith and a deep sense of community, Nicole left a promising corporate career to pursue her true calling: “Uplifting Young Lives Through The Arts.” She applied the skills she honed in corporate America such as Coaching, Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Leadership, Training, and Organizational Development—to her new mission. Today, Victory Music & Dance Company (VMDC) has reached over 10,000 youth in Brooklyn, standing as a beacon of empowerment through the transformative power of the arts. Nicole serves her community well, holding positions on multiple boards, including Community Board 16 and the Asian American Pacific Islander & Brownsville Old Timers.
Under Nicole’s leadership, Victory Music & Dance Company has provided excellence in youth arts education, offering core programs in Arts & Culture, Leadership Enrichment, Academic Enrichment, Social Emotional Development, and S.T.E.A.M. These programs, delivered through 14 in-school and after-school residencies, The Performing Arts Academy, and the Community Marching Band, empower youth by fostering positive development and a sense of belonging. The Young Artist Apprenticeship Initiative (YAAI) is one of Nicole’s most notable programs, building a pipeline of arts professionals by preparing youth for acceptance into performing arts schools and offering internships.
Challenges have not been absent in Nicole’s journey. One of the biggest hurdles was the lack of resources and support for youth services within the community. Nicole overcame this by establishing essential community partnerships, fundraising, and offering youth performance opportunities at local events featuring government officials, corporations, and community stakeholders. Resilient and steadfast efforts like these have led to a 100% high school graduation rate among participants and a zero record of juvenile incarcerations.
Nicole’s mentorship in the youth services goes beyond her role as CEO. Currently, she mentors hundreds of kids and teens at her local church and community center and has even mentored them abroad in the West Indies and the UK. Through her volunteer work, she has conducted training in modern and liturgical dance, empowerment workshops, and conferences, helping young girls and women define their voices in ministry, social-emotional well-being, and pathways to success. Nicole’s joy is evident when she shares success stories, like that of Jalisa Wallerson, who trained with Victory Music & Dance, graduated from Hunter College, and now is a Senior Teaching Artist within the organization and dances with professional companies throughout New York City. Another success story is Saskia Guerrier, who started training with Nicole at age two and now attends Hofstra University, with a major in Business and a minor in Dance, also serves as a Senior Teaching Artist and been accepted into many prestigious performing arts programs in New York City as well as abroad. Last, Tristan Mills, who grew up in Brownsville, received his training through Victory Music & Dance and was admitted to Morgan State University and decided to serve as a paraprofessional with the Department of Education providing training and instruction to the next generation of youth in Brownsville.
Esteemed institutions have recognized Nicole’s impact and she recently received a certification in Strategic Leadership in Business Excellence from Columbia Business School’s, Advanced Management Program; but it’s the over 10,000 impacted lives that have fueled her continued efforts. In January 2024, the Victory Music & Dance Company opened the doors of their very own Performing Arts Center in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Nicole’s ultimate goal is to establish Cultural Arts Leadership & Education Centers in each district of Brooklyn, ensuring every child can discover their passion and realize their full potential.
Nicole Williams’ commitment to championing youth empowerment is a powerful model for the Brownsville community. For over 20 years, through faith anchored by the community and powered by leadership, Nicole and Victory Music & Dance Company have transformed the lives of East Brooklyn youth. As she reflects on her journey, Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All” lyrics still play within her heart: “I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone’s shadow.” Nicole has lived by these words, blazing a trail for young people to follow, ensuring they never doubt their worth or potential. “Together, we can create a brighter future for Brooklyn’s youth, empowering them to dream big and pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination, says Williams. Let us work hand in hand to build a community where every young person feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve greatness.
Nicole’s legacy is much like the song that inspired her as a young child. It reminds us that “the greatest love of all” begins within. That’s the love she’s shared with thousands as she’s helped children and teens discover the beauty that each one of them possesses inside their hearts.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
