Victoria Foundation Welcomes William G. Simpson II as Strengthen Community Power Strategy Officer

Victoria Foundation is proud to announce that William G. Simpson II has joined our team as the new Strengthen Community Power Strategy Officer. William is a community-rooted leader and native of Newark, NJ, with over 15 years of experience leading efforts at the intersection of community safety, criminal legal reform, and systems transformation.

In his role, William will be pivotal in advancing our mission by developing strategies that shift resources, decision-making authority, and control to those most directly impacted by systemic injustice. His work is grounded in a collaborative, trust-based leadership style that fosters shared power and deep relationship-building.

"We are thrilled to welcome William to the Victoria Foundation team," said Executive Officer Craig Drinkard. "His extensive experience and unwavering commitment to our communities' well-being will be instrumental in advancing our mission to address systemic causes of generational poverty and inequality in Newark. William's proactive and thoughtful approach will be an excellent addition in our work to uplift the power of communities to create lasting change."

Previously, William served as the Director of Community Safety and Justice at Equal Justice USA, where he led strategy and partnership development to advance the organization's national impact. He also served as the Director of Collaborative Action for My Brother's Keeper Newark, where he championed equity for boys and young men of color. In this role, he collaborated with the Obama White House, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, and the Prudential Foundation to establish and lead the organization.

William brings a distinguished record of success in designing and executing cross-sector strategies that center racial equity and dismantle structural barriers. He has consistently worked to amplify the leadership of grassroots movements, forging strong partnerships between community-based organizations, public institutions, and philanthropic entities to co-create transformative solutions.

Throughout his career, William has been recognized for his deep commitment to social justice. His accolades include the NAACP Newark Visionary of the Future Award and the Congressional Black Caucus Emerging Leader Award, honors that speak to his impact and dedication. William has served as a trusted advisor to The Just Trust's Safer Communities Accelerator, providing strategic guidance on national justice reform and community safety efforts.