Overview:
Dr. Cheryl Williamson, a wife, mother, speaker, life coach, author, and producer, is a powerful force in empowering Black women. She credits her success to her mindset and believes that self-validation and community building are key to achieving greatness. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief and perseverance and advocates for Black women to support one another in challenging times. Her journey serves as a testament to the idea that it's never too late to achieve greatness and that women should continue to uplift one another to create a legacy of strength, resilience, and success.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Cheryl Williamson, a powerhouse of inspiration and leadership. As a wife, mother, speaker, life coach, author, and producer, Dr. Williamson embodies what it means to uplift and empower women, especially Black women. Our conversation with her, led by Dallas Weekly publisher and CEO Jess Washington, was a powerful reminder of the importance of self-belief, perseverance, and community building.
Dr. Williamson credits her success to one fundamental truth: “My mindset is my superpower.” She starts each day with affirmations, reminding herself that she is enough, that she matters, and that preferential treatment is hers to receive.
“The power of knowing that my words can change my life and change the people around me—this is what wakes me up in the morning,” she shared.
She emphasized that by mastering self-validation, she eliminates the need for external approval. Her practice of writing daily affirmations and maintaining a vision board has helped her manifest her goals, some of which have taken over a decade to come to fruition.
Building a Legacy of Empowerment
Dr. Williamson has dedicated her life to ensuring that Black women know they can win and that they are stronger together. Her deep-rooted belief in community stems from her upbringing, particularly the influence of her mother, who instilled in her that “anything and everything is possible.”
“I wake up every morning wondering, What can I do to help? How can I bring another woman to the table? And when I bring that person to the table, how can we create an opportunity for another woman to win?” she said.
For her, it’s about more than personal success—it’s about building an army of empowered women who, in turn, empower others.
One of the ways Dr. Williamson pours into her community is through the Women of Influence Awards, an event she curates to recognize women making a difference both nationally and locally. However, this isn’t your typical awards show. Instead of a nomination process, she allows divine guidance to lead her to the honorees.
“I pray a lot. I ask God, Who do you want me to recognize? And He shows me,” she explained.
One such honoree this year is a woman who made national news for covering the rent of her tenants as a Christmas gift. These are the stories that inspire Dr. Williamson, and these are the women she wants to elevate. Her goal is not to highlight celebrities but to honor women who, through everyday acts of kindness and leadership, create lasting impact.
“I truly believe we all have the ability to inspire, motivate, and influence in our own area,” she said.
Advocating for Black Women in Challenging Times
With the political and social landscape shifting, Dr. Williamson acknowledges the challenges that Black people, particularly Black women, face. However, she refuses to be consumed by fear.
“I am aware, but I will not be consumed,” she said. “If I allow myself to be consumed, I won’t be able to carry out my gift, my calling, and my purpose.”
Instead of focusing on barriers, she encourages Black communities to support one another. Whether that means shopping at Black-owned businesses, hiring Black professionals, or simply extending grace to one another, she believes this is a defining moment where unity must take precedence over division.
“We hold ourselves to a higher standard than we hold others. If something goes wrong at a Black-owned business, we’re quick to dismiss them, but we don’t do that to mainstream businesses,” she pointed out. “We need to give each other the same grace.”
Dr. Williamson’s journey serves as a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to achieve greatness. At 46, she pivoted from owning five fitness centers to becoming an author, publisher, and producer.
“I didn’t want to leave this life without fulfilling my purpose,” she said. “I told myself, It’s never too late to be great. And that’s what I want people to know.”
She emphasizes that no one needs the perfect background, the right connections, or immediate success. What matters is showing up, believing in oneself, and being open to opportunities.
“For those who think it’s too late—whether you’re 30, 40, 50—it’s not. As long as you’re breathing, you have a purpose.”
Leaving a Legacy of Love and Empowerment
Through her work, Dr. Williamson is not just creating spaces for women—she is leaving a legacy. Her quarterly publication, Cheryl Magazine, is an “85-100 page love letter to Black women” designed to celebrate their beauty, resilience, and power.
“I want my sisters to know that I see them, I hear them, because I am them,” she said.
Her message during Women’s History Month is clear: every woman has a story, a purpose, and the ability to make an impact. And as long as women continue to uplift one another, the legacy of strength, resilience, and success will continue for generations to come.
To support Dr. Cheryl Williamson and Cheryl Magazine, visit cherylmagazine.com and become a subscriber.
Dr. Williamson’s journey is a powerful reminder that Women’s History Month is not just about celebrating the past—it’s about making history every single day.
