Yulanda D.A. Williams is a native San Franciscan, she graduated with a scholarship to attend UC Berkeley from Lowell High School. In 2017, she completed her educational goal to obtain her BA in Criminal Justice at Coast University; with a GPA of 3.90. Yulanda received her inspiration, passion and desire to learn while collaborating and helping her community from her father, the late Rev. Harry W. Williams. Who himself was no stranger to religion, politics or the citizens of San Francisco. Yulanda Williams and members of her immediate family are the only documented People’s Temple members residing in Guyana to be voluntarily (after over a week of negotiations and agreements) released by Jim Jones from Jonestown. Yes, she is truly a “Victorious Lioness Survivor” in every sense of the word. Yulanda’s deep-rooted Christian faith, accountability and values, steadfast devotion to family, and unshakeable commitment to community is demonstrated by her academic pursuits, work ethics, and to her social justice pursuits for equality for all. She is exceptionally engaged in her outreach work and collaborations and as a community activist, she has repeatedly demonstrated her courage and belief that together we can make the difference. She serves as a motivational speaker and many attendees’ comments reflect on her thoughtful, generous contributions and openness with others. Her survival skills, instinct and resiliency lead her to her current career in law enforcement with the San Francisco Police Department.
She has over 28 years of distinguished service. Yulanda Williams was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on June 9, 2012. On October 21, 2017, Lt. Yulanda Williams was promoted to her current rank of Lieutenant. Her examination results made history within the San Francisco Police Department, according to their records she is the first Black American taking this test for the first time to rank with such a high score for a civil service commission examination. Her score was #9 out of over 150 participants. She served as the President of the Officers For Justice Peace Officers Association, and is currently the President of the Officers For Justice Youth Programs. This labor organization fights for equality and social justice in law enforcement for minority officers, women and LGBTQ and disenfranchised (primarily black and brown) communities in San Francisco. Lt. Williams is the first Black employee of SFPD to be certified with the California Police Officers Standards and Training prestigious teaching credentials as a Master Instructor. She is also the first Black female sworn police officer to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Police Officers Association. With her teaching credentials, Yulanda serves as an instructor certified to instruct at Law Enforcement Academies throughout California. She has taught officers on a national level.
Early on in her career, Yulanda was selected as the Liaison for SFPD when the City & County of San Francisco created a renowned model diversion program for youth (formerly known as the San Francisco Youth Courts, Inc.). She is highly sought after and recognized as a charismatic passionate motivational speaker. Yulanda has many hobbies but her most favorite of them all is writing and Karaoke. She is a published author, with a featured cover story in Correctional Technology (CTM) Magazine called “Youth Courts – New Methods to Deal with Juvenile Delinquents”. When performing as Le Karaoke Queen “Ms. Yo Dupwa,” Yulanda transcends her musical talents to the style of Etta James, Diana Ross and Whitney Houston. Over the years, Yulanda has been featured in many local news stations and printed publications as well as nationally on CNN News, ABC Nightline to name just a few.
She has received numerous awards for her outstanding service and dedication, but two of her favorite awards are the “State of California 1997 Crime Prevention Volunteer Officer of the Year Award” received from the former Attorney General Dan Lungren and her 2001 “Congressional Recognition” for her service received from Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. Also featured on the Kamau Bell Show in 2016, Union Buzz Show on numerous occasions, ABC Undefeated in December 2017, ABC Nightline in January 2018, Glamour Magazine in March 2018, KQED in 2019, RT America in 2019 and the Mel Robbins Show in 2019.
Lt. Williams is a highly effective leader, who has been featured on numerous television and radio talk shows. She advocates for police reform and listens while advocating for those who at times are unable to speak for themselves. She is brave, courageous and passionate about her core values, principles and belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Acting Captain Williams is a highly effective leader, who has been featured on numerous television and radio talk shows. She advocates for police reform, accountability, transparency, procedural justice and legitimacy. She attentively listens while advocating for those who at times are unable to speak for themselves. She is brave, courageous and passionate about her core values, principles and belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. In 2014, she inspired and developed the “Not On My Watch” Initiative which is utilized by San Francisco Police Department and many other law enforcement agencies. In 2016, while President of the Officer For Justice Peace Officers Association (aka: OFJ), Yulanda Williams as an outspoken police whistle blower stated, “The San Francisco Police Officers Association (POA) has been insensitive to the needs and the working conditions of the minority officers. They just don’t get it. They’re constantly antagonizing disenfranchised communities.” She also testified about inequities and racial disparity within her department before a panel representing the United States Department of Justice.
Now after over forty (40) years after the most horrific largest massacre murder in the history of the United States, Lt. Yulanda Williams is making herself available to participate as a guest speaker, sharing her compelling heart wrenching story of survival from a cult, from several domestic violent relationships, into her recovery, survival impact, and employment with the San Francisco Police Department (the lead agency responsible for numerous investigations on Jim Jones and People’s Temple). By her own account her duty is to serve and give back to her community and others on a daily basis.