Our Founders
Dale Michelle Williams, PhD
Dr. Dale Williams is the founder of Leadership for Queens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering HBCU Kings and Queens, and the chief organizer of the HBCU Kings & Queens Conference—a premier leadership experience for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). She has organized and led this impactful conference for over 20 years. With more than two decades of experience in higher education, Dr. Williams currently serves as the Director of the Academic Advising Center at the University of Memphis.
An in-demand trainer and speaker, Dr. Williams has worked in various roles at several HBCUs, shaping the lives of students across the country. Her leadership journey began early; she was not only crowned queen of her high school, Hamilton High School in Memphis, TN, but also served as Miss Tennessee State University (TSU) from 1992-93. Dr. Williams has judged numerous pageants, delivered motivational keynote addresses, and led leadership workshops at universities, conferences, and community events. She is passionate about helping HBCU Kings and Queens recognize the profound impact they can have as leaders.
In 2018, Dr. Williams was honored as a People’s Choice Nominee in Ebony Magazine's Power 100 for her contributions to the HBCU Kings & Queens Conference. She is also a member of several community and public service organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Junior League of Memphis, and the TSU Alumni Association.
Dr. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communication and Theatre, a Master of Arts in English from Tennessee State University, a graduate certificate in African American Literature, and a PhD in English, Literary, and Cultural Studies from the University of Memphis. She is deeply committed to helping young men and women reach their fullest potential and enjoys giving back to her community.
Anthony M. Jones, Jr.
Anthony M. Jones, Jr. is the founder of Kings' Konnection and the HBCU Kings & Queens Conference. Currently employed at his alma mater, Talladega College, he serves as the advisor for Mr. and Miss Talladega, having celebrated 29 years of planning their annual Coronation. He is also the founder of Talladega's annual Founders Day Parade and the president of both the 1995 Talladega College alumni class and the 1991 Fairfield High School alumni class.
A seasoned event planner, Anthony has organized weddings across the U.S. and has a background in retail management, having worked at SAKS Inc. for four years. During his time there, he served as a department manager for the McRae and Parisians Division, overseeing in-store events in Alabama and Mississippi.
Throughout his career, Anthony has received numerous honors, including the 1994 National Orator Award at Alabama State University and the 1995 Key to the College from Talladega College. He has earned recognition from various Greek and civic organizations, including his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, for his dedicated service. An expert in floral design, he is also a trustee at New Hope Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, where he sings in the award-winning New Hope Mass Choir and has served in multiple ministry leadership roles.
In 2023, Anthony marked a major achievement by completing his first year as Alabama’s state director for the Miss Plus America Pageant System. He was also crowned National Mr. AWB Man of Distinction 2022-2023 on June 25.