Tyrone Williams
Thrive Over Survive
Tyrone Williams' journey from Jacksonville, FL, to Boston is an inspiring tale of dedication to both professional excellence and community engagement. After relocating to Boston as a teenager, Tyrone’s academic achievements began at English High School and culminated with a bachelor's degree in Operations Management and an MBA from UMass Dartmouth. His career took off at Pratt & Whitney, where he excelled in roles such as Strategic Business Analyst and Cell Lead, applying lean project management principles and data visualization tools to optimize manufacturing workflows.
Now serving as the U.S. Small Business Development Specialist for Massachusetts, Tyrone guides small businesses in navigating federal contracting, fostering growth through strategic compliance with SBA regulations. His dedication to supporting communities is also reflected in his co-founding of Follow My Steps Foundation in 2020. Through the foundation, Tyrone spearheaded the creation of the “Thrive Over Survive” mentorship program, which provides under-resourced youth with career skills, financial literacy, and mentorship, empowering them to overcome socioeconomic challenges.
Follow My Steps Foundation’s initiatives extend beyond mentorship, integrating dynamic events like the Shooting for Success at the Basketball Hall of Fame and impactful workshops through the Thrive Over Survive program. These programs are designed to push Explorers (mentees) to grow academically and personally while fostering meaningful connections with the community. The foundation’s annual Mentoring Matters 5K not only brings the community together but equips participants with school supplies, underscoring a commitment to educational success.
Our partnerships with Springfield Public Schools allow us to deliver real-world applications, further enriching our Explorers’ experience. Donors fuel these initiatives, ensuring continued growth and development opportunities for our youth. By committing to regular donations, supporters are lighting a pathway to success for countless young individuals, helping them break barriers and rise into leadership roles in their communities.
Tyrone’s journey and the mission of Follow My Steps Foundation showcase the transformative power of mentorship, community, and resilience. Together, we continue to create a ripple effect of positive change, ensuring every young person can realize their potential, regardless of their starting point. Join us in this journey, and together, we can shape the leaders of tomorrow.