(BBB)
Dr. Denise E. Williams, Metropolitan State University Professor, Elected to the BBB Board of Directors
Burnsville, MN – August 15, 2025 - Dr. Denise E. Williams has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau Serving Minnesota and North Dakota. A nationally respected educator, entrepreneur, speaker, and executive coach, Dr. Williams brings more than three decades of expertise in organizational behavior, inclusive leadership, and innovative workforce development to the BBB’s governance table.
In her role as Professor and former Department Chair of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Human Resources at Metropolitan State University, Dr. Williams has created groundbreaking programs such as the HERO Factor Career Readiness, Women Innovators and Entrepreneurial Leadership Development (WIELD) Initiatives, and Trailblazer Coaching in Innovative Mindset. Her commitment to innovation, equity, and ethical leadership makes her an ideal fit for BBB’s mission.
“We are honored to welcome Dr. Williams to the Board of Directors,” said Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas, President and CEO of BBB Serving Minnesota and North Dakota. “She is a dynamic thought leader who brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial spirit, academic rigor, and deep community connection. Her perspective will be invaluable as we continue to elevate standards of trust and inclusion in the marketplace.”
Along with her teaching, Dr. Williams is the Founder and CEO of DEW Consulting Group LLC and has inspired thousands through keynote speaking, executive coaching, and entrepreneurship training, particularly in the areas of innovative mindset, women's leadership, and workforce readiness. Her work has touched communities across the country and around the world with economic, spiritual, and cultural engagement in over 26 countries.
Dr. Williams expressed her excitement about joining the board, “The work of the Better Business Bureau has never been more vital. As we navigate a world that demands both innovation and integrity, I’m proud to support an organization that helps businesses and consumers thrive through ethical practices and community trust. I look forward to contributing to a mission in alignment with my own.”
Dr. Williams has served as a board member, advisor, or motivational speaker to both public and private organizations, including the National Association of Women Business Owners, Junior Achievement North, Explore Minnesota for Business Council, Minnesota National Guard, SCORE and SBA, and the International Coaching Federation. She holds a doctorate in Organizational Behavior and Entrepreneurship from Indiana University Kelley School of Business, an MBA from the Wharton School, a BA in Economics from Spelman College, and is affectionately known as the “Build Your Dream” coach for her ability to spark inspired action in people and institutions alike.
About Better Business Bureau Serving Minnesota and North Dakota
For over a century, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has been helping people make smarter buying decisions by connecting them with businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. BBB Serving Minnesota and North Dakota is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a marketplace where integrity, transparency, and fairness thrive. Through business Accreditation, consumer education, dispute resolution, and community outreach, we empower both consumers and businesses to create stronger, more trustworthy connections.
