When Governor Phil Murphy appointed Cyndie Williams to Brookdale’s Board of Trustees in June 2024, she viewed it as a full-circle moment. A proud alum of Brookdale, Williams credits the college as providing the foundation for her academic and professional success. Now, as a leader in labor relations and workforce development, she is using her experience to strengthen Brookdale’s role in preparing students for evolving career opportunities.
Reflecting on her time at Brookdale, she recalls an experience of self-discovery. “The campus is an environment where even if you don’t know where your future’s headed, some people stumble and fall, and then they’re lifted by the staff at Brookdale to help them to understand how to get back up and go,” she said. “And so, I think that was my story. I had many options in front of me, and a four-year school wasn’t in my future at that time. I jumped around with majors, and took some missteps, but Brookdale was always there affordable and supportive.” It was at Brookdale that she gained the confidence and discipline to excel, later graduating cum laude from Rutgers University with a degree in labor studies and employment relations.
Now serving on Brookdale’s Facilities and Finance Committee, Williams brings a unique perspective shaped by her career in labor relations and workforce development. As a field administrator for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Job Corps Programs, council representative for the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, and currently executive director of the Carpenter Contractor Trust, she has dedicated her career to strengthening opportunities in the skilled trades. “I’m excited to explore ways Brookdale can better connect students with in-demand industries, including vocational training and union apprenticeships,” she says.
Her impact extends beyond Brookdale. Williams serves on the Monmouth County Workforce Development Board, where she works to bridge the gap between education and industry. She recognizes the importance of aligning curriculum with the evolving job market, especially as artificial intelligence reshapes industries. “Preparing students for the integration of AI is essential,” she explains. “It’s not about replacing jobs but enhancing them-ensuring our graduates know how to work with technology rather than be displaced by it.”
Beyond her professional commitments, Williams is also a passionate advocate for women in the construction industry. Having started in the field more than 25 years ago when women were a rarity on construction sites, she knows the challenges firsthand. “I was told so many times, ‘This isn’t for you,’” she recalls. “But I refused to accept that. I worked hard, built my reputation, and relied on strong mentors to help me along the way.” Today, she is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of women in construction, serving as a role model, and ensuring that doors remain open for those who follow.
Her leadership and advocacy have earned her industry-wide recognition, including recently being named to the ROI–NJ Union Influencers Power List and as a Tradeswoman Leader in Construction Dive’s fifth annual Construction Champions program. While she is humbled by these accolades, she views them as a means to inspire others. “If my story can encourage just one person to pursue a career they never thought possible then it’s worth it,” she says. “There are so many opportunities out there for women in trades, and the industry is changing because diverse voices are being heard.”
Williams also amplifies these conversations through Labor Lounge a co-created podcast, in which she highlights industry leaders, workforce development initiatives, and the evolving labor landscape. The podcast serves as a platform to educate and inspire listeners by featuring contractors, labor leaders, and changemakers who are making a difference in their communities. “It’s a way to tell the stories that often go unheard and to showcase the people behind the progress,” she explains. “If we can connect more people to opportunities through these discussions, then it’s doing exactly what we hoped for.”
Williams is deeply committed to guiding students as they explore career paths. Her advice to Brookdale students considering careers in the skilled trades, labor relations, or technical industries is simple: “Education is key, no matter what field you’re in. The industry is constantly evolving, and keeping up with the latest certifications, technologies, and best practices will set you apart.” She stresses the importance of hands-on experience, mentorship, and perseverance. “Be open to learning, seek out mentors, and never let anyone tell you that you don’t belong. Hard work and education will open doors for you.”
Amid her professional and board responsibilities, Williams is also a dedicated family woman. A mother of three, she spends her weekends with her wife and cheers on her children in sports and academics. Whether with her teenager mountain biking in Allaire State Park, traveling to her daughter’s soccer tournaments, or supporting her twin son’s debate team, she makes the most of every moment. “Family keeps me grounded,” she says. “And when I’m not at work or a board meeting, you’ll find me hiking in the woods with my Pointer.”
As she continues her first year as a Brookdale trustee, Williams remains eager to carve out new opportunities for students. She understands the value of education—whether in the classroom, on a job site, or through mentorship—and is committed to making Brookdale a hub of opportunity for all. “Being asked to serve on this board was an incredible honor,” she says. “Brookdale gave me my start, and now I have the chance to give back. It’s a privilege to help shape its future.”