Gislaine Williams

Gislaine oversees our strategies that increase immigrant civic integration in the Greater Houston area.

Her career spans 15 years working with national and Houston-area nonprofits empowering refugee and immigrant communities including serving on the board of directors for two nonprofit organizations focused on advancing civil liberties in Texas. Prior to joining Houston Endowment, she led community outreach, policy, and coalition-building efforts for The Alliance. She also served as the Texas lead for Refugee Council USA, a coalition based in Washington, DC where she developed a multi-city network of refugees and advocates across the state and launched the first Refugee Advocacy Day in Texas. She has also served on the Houston Mayor’s Advisory Council of New Americans and Immigrant Communities since 2016. Originally from Honduras, Gislaine was featured in Houstonia Magazine’s American Dream issue that showcased immigrants who have shaped Houston.

She holds a Master of Science in social work from University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in history from Rice University.