The Wheelhouse Talks featuring Daniel Williams
November 7, 2025
Daniel Williams joined us to share lessons learned over 20 years of leadership experience working in education, philanthropy, community engagement, and leading institutions such as the Steelcase Foundation, WMCAT, and Grand Rapids University Prep Academy.
This event is a partnership with GVSU’s Frederik Meijer Honors College as a part of their Frederik Meijer Lecture Series, which was established to provide local and national presentations that focus on issues of leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship from the perspective of students, faculty members, and participants in business throughout the region.
Full Event Recording
Speaker
Daniel Williams
Daniel Williams, EdD, is the fifth Meijer Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation for the GVSU Frederik Meijer Honors College and has over 20 years of leadership experience working to advance justice through education, philanthropy, community engagement, and equity-centered design thinking. Through his work as President + CEO of the Steelcase Foundation, Daniel has led efforts to drive and support large-scale social change. Prior to this, Daniel worked towards equity and innovation in his roles as President + CEO of the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology and co-founder + principal of Grand Rapids University Prep Academy.
Daniel has been named a Crain’s GR 200 Most influential Leader, is a three time 40 under 40 recipient, and was named the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 under 40 Distinguished Alumni. Daniel earned his Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University, an MEd in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University, and a BA from University of Iowa.