Annual MAPO Awards Banquet Honors Cougar Cupboard's Lealia Williams

Annual MAPO Awards Banquet Honors Cougar Cupboard's Lealia Williams

May 23, 2024, 10:05 AM

The Metro Area Professional Organization (MAPO) held its 14th annual Honors Awards Banquet last Saturday in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Meridian Ballroom at the Morris University Center. Lealia Williams was honored with a Serving Humanities award for her efforts in education and Cougar Cupboard. Williams received her bachelor's in sociology from SIUE in 2000, and master's in higher education in student affairs in 2023.Williams oversees the Cougar Cupboard which helps students, faculty, and staff with basic needs such as food and personal hygiene, while also helping students with personal and educational goals. Williams has been the leader of Cougar Cupboard since October 2023 and became a MAPO board member in January of 2024.

"It's an incredible honor and a truly humbling experience. It filled me with immense pride and gratitude," Williams said. "It motivates me to continue to strive for excellence and contributing positively to my field and community."

MAPO is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to care for the hungry and homeless and to be there in times of distress. The organization was founded in 2010 by the late Rev. Dr. John Q. Owens and Dr. Dorothy Owens. MAPO was created after Dr. Dorothy Owens observed that her husband, John, was dealing with slight depression. Owens wanted to start a professional organization that could help others in distress and provide them with essential everyday items.

"Our first gathering we had two van loads of blankets, personal hygiene items and clothing," Dr. Dorothy Owens said. "At that time (the beginning) we only honored about 10 to 15 people."

The event was kicked off by the Granite City Swing Band and was followed by the Presentation of Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD , welcomed guests with an introductory video. The event was emceed by the former Mayor of East St. Louis, Alvin Parks Jr. The keynote speaker was Congresswomen Nikki Budzinski, who outlined the progress made in the Metro East and encouraged people to vote in the upcoming Presidential Election in November. Other local government leaders that were in attendance included former Illinois State Representative Latoya Greenwood and Illinois State Senator of the 57thDistrict, Christopher Belt.

Lealia Williams was not the only Williams that was honored at the banquet. Her son, James, was honored as a MAPO "Rising Star" along with four other recipients. MAPO honored more than 35 recipients and included the following categories: Government, Clergy, Veteran, God's Grace and Mercy, Law, Education, Business, Medical, Media, Performing Arts, Community Service, and Rising Stars.

"We have about 10 different categories of service, and she (Lealia Williams) was outstanding in the area of education. That's why she was selected," said MAPO President Dr. Henrietta Young.

The Cougar Cupboard is a non-profit food pantry located at SIUE serving students, faculty, and staff members during times of hardship. The Cougar Cupboard's food and toiletry items are supported entirely through donations.

PHOTOS: Lealia Williams and son, James Williams; Lealia Williams, winner, Serving Humanities award