American Business Women's Association
DC Charter Chapter Washington, D.C 20017
OFFICERS
President
Karen Y. Williams
Karen Yvonne Williams retired after 43 years of federal government service as a highly
skilled Information Technology (IT) Specialist in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of the
General Services Administration (GSA), Washington, DC. She later established her own
company, titled ‘J C Williams, LLC, named after her grandson Jason. Karen has been a member of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) since May 2006. She was elected ‘Woman of the Year 2008.’ As an Inner Circle member, she has recruited more than 33 new members for the ABWA organization, and she was nominated as a 2014 Top Ten Business Woman of ABWA. She is a proud member of the DC Charter Chapter. where she previously served as Vice President, and as the Chapter’s Advisor. In October 2017, she was selected as ABWA District IV Vice President and served on the National Executive Board. As District IV Vice President, she served as a 2017-2018 Trustee for the Stephen Bufton
Education Scholarship Fund for the American Business Women’s Association. Karen served as the 2022-2023 Chair of the ABWA Ambassadors Steering Committee. She has also served on the District of Columbia Community Executive Board for Women’s Reform. She was named by American Mothers, Incorporated, as the ‘2018 Mother of the Year for the District of Columbia and previously served on the national executive board as 3 rd Vice President as well as previously
served as chair of the nomination committee for the American Mothers, Inc. In December 2021, she was inducted into the Top Ladies of Distinction-Montgomery County Chapter.
ABWA has been a strong motivator in helping Karen establish and achieve her goals. She is a
recipient of the ABWA Stephen Bufton Memorial Scholarship.
As a mother of four, Karen pursued her education while encouraging her husband and all four of the children to pursue theirs as well. She set an example by expressing the importance of education to the entire family.
Vice President
Karen McDowell
Karen R. McDowell, immediate past Treasurer, since she joined the Chapter in 2016. In 2019, she was elected Woman of the Year. Karen recently retired from the regulatory financial management industry and looks forward to her new role as VP. Karen is a HBCU graduate of Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Karen is a member of the Corinthian Baptist Church in Lanham, Maryland. She currently is the Director of their Youth Ministry; she is a member of the
Deaconess Ministry and the Senior Ushers Ministry where she holds various positions. She diligently works with the Titus II Women’s Ministry where she participates annually with the Angel Tree Project sponsored by the Prison Outreach Ministry during the Christmas Holiday season. She is enthusiastic about attending regional and national ABWA conferences and takes full advantage of courses sponsored
by the Association at Park University as well as KU MBA Essentials course. Karen is energetic, motivated, and excited about the association and participates on many of our committees and fundraisers.
Recording Secretary
Maxine Hooker
Maxine R. Hooker is a highly respected leader known for her dedication to innovation and
community empowerment. She developed a passion for uniting people and advocating for
underrepresented groups at an early age.
Hooker's academic journey began with a strong interest in learning and leadership, which led her to D.C. Teachers College and the University of the District of Columbia, where she earned her B.S. in Education. She furthered her studies at George Washington University, earning a degree in Business Administration with a focus on sustainable development and a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership. She began her professional career in the Federal Government,
quickly establishing a reputation for herself with her innovative problem-solving skills.
She has held significant leadership positions in various agencies, including NASA, NOAA, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the U.S. Department of State, as well as in contract administration for Private Contractors. Her key accomplishments include:
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Launching mentorship programs for young professionals and marginalized communities.
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Promoting equitable access to education and resources through collaborations with global organizations.
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Cultivating inclusive work environments that value creativity and teamwork.
Hooker is recognized for her ability to handle complex challenges with poise and determination, establishing herself as a trusted strategist and a driving force for change. Beyond her professional life, Hooker is deeply committed to community service, speaking at global forums on leadership, diversity, and sustainable innovation. She continues to inspire many with her dedication to progress and her belief in the power of collective action, serving as an example of what can be achieved through vision, passion, and perseverance.
Treasurer
Monique Smith
Monique Smith is an Tax Director with AIMS LLC with over 20 years of tax experience from public
accounting and corporate companies. Her background includes working for corporate companies Lockheed Martin, Marriott International, Washington Gas Light, and Choice Hotels. Her experience includes sales of a business, acquisitions and mergers, IRS audits, R&D Credits, and State Income Planning and other tax challenging situations. Monique is looking forward to assisting clients and collaborating with them for tax planning throughout the year to achieve tax savings. Monique is a graduate of Bowie State University and pursuing her master’s in taxation. Monique’s leadership roles include Director of Bowie State University Foundation and Bowie State
University Alumni Association Financial Secretary.
Financial Secretary
Kia Warner
Kia Warner is a passionate and purpose-driven professional with over a decade of experience in procurement, human resources, and financial operations. She currently serves as a Procurement Officer for the U.S. Department of Justice, where she applies her skills in contract negotiation,
internal audits, and organizational development. Kia holds a BA in Psychology and an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
As an active member of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), Kia proudly serves on the Outreach Committee and is preparing to step into the role of Financial Secretary for her chapter. Her commitment to service also shines through her leadership in Top Ladies of
Distinction (TLOD) and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), where she mentors youth and supports community programs.
Kia is also the founder of KShante Cakes, a home-based baking business known for its creative cheesecakes and signature sweets. Additionally, she is a licensed Maryland Realtor helping families navigate the home buying process with care. Whether she’s closing contracts, baking cakes, or mentoring teens, Kia leads with heart. She
draws her greatest strength from her faith, her family, and the deep bonds she shares with friends who keep her grounded and inspired.
Ambassador/
Advisor
Juanita Hall
Juanita A. Hall is our current President and the monitor of the Chapter's Best Practice. She joined the Chapter in 2013 and has served on the ABWA National Nominating Committee. Juanita is Manager for Staff Development and Education at Carroll Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. A licensed and ordained minister, she Chairs the Women’s Ministry, is a member of the Nurses Ministry and teaches Sunday School at Corinthian Baptist Church in Lanham, MD. Other strong ties include her roles as Immediate Past Regional Director of Northeast Region – Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., President, Gamma Beta Chapter – Sigma Nursing Honor Society and a member of Prince George’s County Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Juanita is also a member of the National Council of Negro Women as well as the NAACP.