Shelley Williams

Renew Center Director

Shelley is originally from Durban, South Africa, and now calls Charlotte, NC, home. With a background in Special Education and Human Services, she has always been driven by a deep passion for working with and helping others.

As a young person, Shelley found great fulfillment in helping care for her grandmother who was diagnosed with dementia. In South Africa, there was a significant lack of affordable day centers, making it difficult for many families to access the support they needed. Shelley is grateful for organizations like AEC that offer inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities, making a meaningful difference in their lives.

In South Africa, Shelley was a teacher, supporting students with diverse needs, while also owning and operating a successful dance studio.

Prior to joining AEC, Shelley worked with Adeline’s Aid, a nonprofit focused on supporting mothers on bed rest and babies in the NICU in the greater Charlotte area.

Shelley joined AEC in 2023 as the Cultural Arts & Diversity Studio Instructor at the School of the Arts before transitioning as Program Coordinator at Renew and now serves as the Renew Center Director.

Shelley excels at building meaningful connections with members, fostering their growth, and promoting their independence. Shelley’s dedication to creating enriching, empowering experiences for others is at the heart of everything she does.