Carrie Williams to Address Disaster Resilience at Women Who Lead Forum

Williams, who serves as President of the American Water Charitable Foundation and holds leadership roles within the American Red Cross Southern New Jersey Chapter, will participate in the Innovation Shaping the Future of Disaster Response session. Her contribution centers on the business case for community investment and the tangible outcomes of collaborative disaster preparedness. The discussion emphasizes the ongoing partnership between her foundation and the American Red Cross, specifically through the Disaster Responder Program, which has become a cornerstone of the organization's outreach.

The American Water Charitable Foundation, established by the utility giant American Water, has distributed over $25 million in grants since 2012. By targeting water, people, and community initiatives, the foundation leverages shareholder-funded capital to address regional vulnerabilities without impacting customer utility rates. Williams aims to demonstrate how such cross-sector alliances not only fortify public safety but also provide a scalable model for corporate philanthropy in an era of increasing environmental and humanitarian challenges.