William Kellibrew, MSW Global Victim Advocate, Author, Creative and Therapist
William has served as a global advocate for human, civil, children and victims’ rights for over 20 years. He has extensive experience in implementing trauma-informed and healing-centered approaches in systems of care including the violence prevention, victim services, and mental health fields. He is a certified strategic planning professional and has provided expert facilitation and subject matter expertise for several federally funded training and technical assistance centers including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, the trade organization for all Commissioners of mental health throughout the United States and U.S. Territories.
William is no stranger to trauma and struggling with disabilities. In 2008, William’s traumatic childhood story of resilience was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, MSNBC, Washington Post, Daily Beast, and a host of media outlets, globally. In 2011, William was recognized by the White House as a ‘Champion of Change’ and in 2013, he received the Voice Award from SAMHSA for his work across the country as a peer/consumer leader. In 2015 he received the U.S. Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus Eva Murillo Unsung Hero Award as well as many other awards for his humanitarianism.
William received his Associate in Arts degree from the University of the District of Columbia, his Bachelor of Science degree in business management from the University of Maryland Global Campus and will graduate this fall with his Master of Social Work degree with a clinical behavioral health concentration from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work.
William currently works at the Boys and Girls Clubs of America as a Safety Director for the Southeast Region, focusing on providing leadership and guidance through training, resources, consultation, and advocacy in the areas of Child and Club Safety. He is the author of the new release, Resilient Rose, named in honor of his grandmother who raised him and his siblings following the murders of his mother and brother. William credits his grandmother, God, family, and those who created a safer space for him to heal and thrive.