When it comes to having a reputation for being hard-nosed, not many fit the bill like the United States Marine Corps.  However, Marine Corps Lt. Col. Denice Williams makes the journey a little easier for younger members that she comes in contact with.  “When the junior officers see me, some of them run from me and some of them run to me,” Williams said.  “They know that I’m going to counsel them or that some guidance will result from the conversation.”

Williams, one out of only a little over 100 African-American female officers in the Marine Corps, admits that she didn’t travel the road without assistance.  “When I was a young Lieutenant, there were a few people who seemed untouchable at first,” she recalled.  “However, you’d come to realize that those same people would take time out to talk to you and acknowledge you.  That meant a lot.”

It’s probably that assistance coupled with an up bringing that fostered an attitude of passing along what you’ve been fortunate enough to learn that is responsible for Williams’ philosophy on mentoring.  “There’s nothing new under the sun.  Maybe there is a chance that I’ve been in the situation that you’re dealing with,” Williams pointed out.  “If I’ve been there and I hold that key, I should be willing to help that person.”

No one said that being a Marine is easy, but people like Williams make it a little less difficult to be “one of the few, {and} the proud.”