William G. Simpson II is the Victoria Foundation’s Strengthen Community Power Strategy Officer. In this role, William provides leadership for the Foundation’s grantmaking and partnerships that advance community-led efforts to organize, build power, and strengthen the self-determination of Newark residents.
William is a seasoned leader and strategist with over 15 years of experience leading cross-sector initiatives that advance equity, community power, and systemic change. Throughout his career, William has built a strong track record in community organizing and power building—designing and implementing strategies that elevate the leadership of marginalized communities and support sustainable, community-led transformation. He has facilitated civic engagement spaces, led grassroots campaigns, and trained emerging leaders from urban communities to effectively advocate for their own futures.
Recognized for his deep commitment to social justice and equal opportunity, William has been honored with accolades including the NAACP Newark Visionary of the Future Award and the Congressional Black Caucus Emerging Leader Award. William has participated in several distinguished leadership programs, including Collaborative Action Newark, the Victoria Foundation Emerging Leader Fellowship, and the Leadership Newark Fellows Program. He serves on the Board of Directors for GlassRoots Inc., a non-profit that uses glass arts to inspire and equip youth, and on the Advisory Board of the Futures Institute, a policy research and advocacy organization focused on systems innovation. Additionally, he served as a trusted advisor to The Just Trust’s Safer Communities Accelerator, providing strategic guidance on national justice reform and community safety efforts.
At the heart of his work is a deep love for his hometown of Newark, NJ, where he lives with his wife and daughters. His work remains rooted in a belief that communities hold the solutions to their own challenges, and he is deeply committed to helping Newark grow, thrive, and lead in shaping a more just and equitable future.
