In her fourth year as the Community Health Improvement Coordinator for Franciscan Health, Nila Williams uses her passion for health and helping others to create a powerful impact in the Michigan City community.
Despite her long history as a health advocate, Williams did not always work in healthcare. After growing up in Michigan City, she moved to Virginia for nine years before coming back to her hometown. In Virginia, she majored in occupational studies in information technology at Bryant & Stratton College. After graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors, she went on to work for the Virginia Department of Social Services in a call center to assist people with software and hardware struggles.
“Computers have always been fascinating to me. I was always into technology. Later on, working in health became a goal for me,” Williams said.
Williams rarely has a long day in the office now. Work days start with answering emails and making phone calls, but it is never long before she hits the ground in the community. This kind of community outreach is essential for Williams to develop different programs and initiatives that bring healthcare and health education to the underprivileged, uninsured, or underinsured in Michigan City.
“I look at the community health needs assessment done at the hospital every three years. We get out into the community, take the data we get from the report, and create programs or initiatives around that data,” Williams said.
In addition to her position in healthcare, Williams is involved in countless committees and programs that serve the public and create a safer community. She holds a position as Commissioner for the Michigan City Commission for Women and works as a board member with the Indiana Black Expo Michigan City Chapter. As the local coordinator for the Indiana State Black Barbershop Health Initiative, Williams holds annual health fairs in barbershops to provide African American males with health screenings and wellness information. She has also distributed care packages and blankets to the homeless in below-freezing weather with the help of her annual blanket drive and the Michigan City Police Department.
Williams’ outstanding work has not gone unnoticed; she has received numerous awards and accolades. In 2025, she was nominated as an Influential Woman by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women’s Association. In 2019, she was named the Michigan City Humanitarian of the Year by the Michigan City Human Rights Commission. Indiana Black Expo recognized her as Volunteer of the Year in 2015. Williams was also awarded the nickname “The Fixer” by her community because of her almost supernatural ability to help in unexpected ways.
“I get calls asking ‘Do you know somebody who can help me?’ You know, as funny as it seems, I do know somebody! Being that support and connection to help people in whatever way I can is how I got the nickname,” Williams said.
Providing outstanding service to La Porte County is a full-time commitment that requires constant action. For Williams, taking that action is a top priority.
“The main thing is to go meet people where they are. That is how you're going to have the greatest impact. I can't just sit in my office and say, ‘Okay, I want to help people.’ I have to get out there,” Williams said.
With much of her time spent meeting the needs of her community, Williams does her best to stay connected with her faith and family. She attends Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church and sings in the church choir. After church, Williams and her family prioritize quality time amongst their busy schedules.
“We get together for dinner and try alternating who cooks. It's really important to us; Sunday dinners are a tradition in our family. During the warmer months, we definitely love to get the grill out and listen to music,” Williams said.
Williams implores her family, friends, and community members to prioritize themselves.
“I tell it to everyone; health is so important for every person, not just a certain demographic. Take care of yourself first, before you take care of anyone else. You won't be able to take care of anyone or anything if you're not healthy,” Williams said.
Williams also stresses the importance of reaching out for help and wishes for others to take advantage of any available services.
“Follow up with your primary care physician at least once a year,” Williams said. “Know your health and ask about health screenings. If you don't understand your insurance or don't have insurance, there are services available to you. Help is out there.”