Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner

Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, CEO and co-founder of Skinner Leadership Institute, is a trusted advisor, public policy strategist, faith and community leader, author, lecturer, educator, executive coach, and mentor. She has made an indelible imprint in American public policy, government, diversity, and community relations. She and her late husband, Tom Skinner, founded the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Prayer Breakfast that annually attracts over 3000 leaders across the nation. She regularly works with interfaith leaders on issues like health care and criminal justice reform.

Widely known as a committed prayer warrior, Dr. Williams-Skinner regularly prays for and with Congressional leaders and sends daily scripture to many of them. She is co-founder of a millennial leadership program -- the Masters Series for Distinguished Leaders that equips millennial leaders to move to the next levels of their lives and careers which address needs of the disadvantaged. The program is now in its 13 th year and has graduated over 180 young leaders.

Dr. Williams-Skinner also co-founded the Masters Series for Distinguished Clergy that equips pastors with advocacy and media skills to voice their values in the public arena. Dr. Williams-Skinner has authored a book on building personal spiritual power, I Prayed, Now What?” and a companion Discussion Guide, perfectly suited for personal and group Bible studies. In November 2020 and January 2021, Dr. Williams-Skinner coordinated Turnout Sunday/Lawyers and Collars, a faith-based voter protection campaign engaging clergy as poll chaplain to protect vulnerable voters. She recently received the DC Regional Leadership Hall of and Fame Award. Dr. Williams-Skinner holds a B.A. Degree from San Francisco State University, a Master of Social Work Degree and a Law Degree from UCLA; as well as a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Howard University School of Divinity in Washington, DC.