Kisha Williamson

Jean Hellman Ryan Scholarship recipient Kisha Williamson always enjoyed being in school but faced challenges in navigating traditional academic settings. After her initial attempt at college didn't go as planned, she joined the Navy and discovered a newfound ease in remote learning. This experience reignited her passion for education, leading her to pursue a bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University, followed swiftly by a master’s degree. Kisha’s love for learning continued to evolve, culminating in her decision to enroll in SCPS’s post-baccalaureate paralegal Litigation Practice Certificate program. Her decision was driven by her increasing interest in the rules, laws, and regulations of the Illinois school system, especially her work in Chicago Public Schools.  

“I am a person that is on the spectrum, and I have always struggled with school. There was just something missing. SCPS provides the adult learning platform that I really need. I have classmates that I text and call with. It fits my schedule, and it’s a commitment; but, it's very manageable and it's so fun.” 

The flexibility and community-oriented nature of SCPS made the program a perfect fit for Kisha’s busy schedule. As a working professional, currently transitioning from the role of Restorative Justice Coordinator to Assistant Dean of Students, Kisha values the program's balance between challenging coursework and practical, real-world applications. She credits the program for shaping her professional approach to justice and consequences in education, allowing her to explore creative, empathetic solutions that align with school regulations while advocating for students in a meaningful way. 

The Jean Hellman Ryan Scholarship, which is rooted in the concept of paying it forward, deeply resonated with Kisha’s desire to make a difference in her academic and professional pursuits. She is determined to carry this legacy forward by supporting future students who, like her, seek to use their education to better their communities. Kisha remains grateful for the opportunity SCPS has provided, both in her academic journey and the support she has received as an adult learner. The scholarship has solidified her commitment to advancing her career while making a lasting impact in the field of education and law. 

“I really love the concept of paying it forward. That's really what honestly drew me to the scholarship. It will inform my academic and my professional work by wanting to again be able to say, ‘I did this, and am now passing it forward so that someone else is able to do this as well.’”