ABOUT THE VISIONARY
Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson is a nationally acclaimed multi best-selling author, Editor-in-Chief of Cheryl Magazine, award-winning filmmaker and executive producer, transformational speaker, and certified success coach.
AS SEEN IN
Williamson is the CEO and Founder of Williamson Media Group, LLC, and Cheryl Polote Williamson, LLC, where her knowledge, expertise, and resources connect others to their purpose. As a global leader, she has successfully ushered 470 men and women into thriving entrepreneurship.
ABOUT CHERYL POLOTE WILLIAMSON
Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson operates at the intersection of global diplomacy, media innovation, and transformative storytelling. As a Global Media Executive, Transformational Speaker, and Multi Best-Selling Author, she has dedicated her career to amplifying marginalized voices and bridging cultural divides. In 2026, her leadership reached a new zenith with her appointment as Advisor to the Ghana Tourism Federation, where she facilitates international partnerships and economic synergy across the African diaspora.
A Legacy of Media Excellence
Dr. Polote-Williamson’s ability to foster essential dialogue earned her a 2026 NAACP Image Award nomination for her podcast, Ageless, Fearless & Unscripted. Her trailblazing status in business is further solidified by the 2026 NAWBO President’s Award, the 2026 Bow Collective Trailblazer Award, and recognition from the US Black Chamber for her unparalleled contributions to the global media landscape. As the Editor-in-Chief of Cheryl Magazine, she curates an international “love letter” to Black women—a publication recently honored with a Gold MarCom Award for marketing excellence.
Impact Through Storytelling and Advocacy
With 19 best-selling titles—including The Art of Influence—Dr. Polote-Williamson has entered a landmark partnership with Storehouse Voices/Crown Publishing to ensure Black narratives achieve global permanence. Her cinematic contributions are equally profound; as an Executive Producer, her work includes the HBO Max Award-winning documentary Twenty Pearls and the cinematic tribute The Invitation.
Global Leadership and Service
Whether sharing the stage with former First Lady Michelle Obama or serving as the Global Ambassador for She Empowerment Global, Dr. Polote-Williamson’s presence is a masterclass in purposeful leadership. As the Executive Director of Soul Reborn, her philanthropic vision manifests through life-changing initiatives like The Soul Reborn Cohort—a premier six-month empowerment initiative designed to equip 50 women with the technical expertise, financial acumen, and holistic wellness strategies necessary for long-term success. Expanding her reach of global advocacy, she has also adopted a school in Africa, cementing her commitment to cross-continental education and youth upliftment.
On March 20, 2026, her profound community impact was further cemented when she became the first woman to receive The Champion of Change Award from the T.D. Jakes Foundation. Presented by Bishop T.D. Jakes and Foundation CEO Kelley Cornish, the prestigious honor recognized her outstanding contributions to financial inclusion, education, and workforce readiness.
Her lifetime of service has been additionally recognized with the Maura Award and the Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. From the halls of government in Qatar to the forefront of American media, she continues to prove that when influence is paired with intention, the impact is limitless.
ABOUT CHERYL POLOTE WILLIAMSON
In December 2021, Dr. Williamson received her Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy. She has also received multiple national and international media features and mentions, and several awards for her leadership capabilities to include: selection as one of Dallas Top 25 women and the honor as one of the Female Success Factor Award recipients for 2016, the 2017 and 2018 Indie Author Literary Trailblazer Award, Global Smashers Award, Who’s Who in Black Dallas Publishing, and Indie Author Legacy Award in 2017 and 2018, a 2018 African American Literary Award, a 2020 African American Literary Award for Self-Published Author of the Year Award, and a 2021 Trailblazer Award in Media.
Through a widely supported Housing Development Initiative, Cheryl Polote Williamson and the Soul Reborn charge she leads, educates individuals and communities on crime statistics, employment opportunities, business creation and development, financial and family services, and a variety of resources. She has fed and clothed thousands and given to a number of communities, organizations, and causes. She has led many to opportunities for employment and created countless outreach and volunteer opportunities.
Williamson tours nationally, motivating varied audiences to release negative strongholds, walk in power, and thrive in purpose. She has been a featured author at the 108th NAACP National Convention and the Congressional Black Caucus.
Serving is Cheryl Polote Williamson’s passion, but nothing comes before the love and care she gives to her husband Russ Williamson of 30 years, her three amazing children, Russ, Jr., Courtney, and Lauren, and two adorable grandbabies, Leah and Russ III.
Social Media
- Films + Stage Plays
NEW + NOTEWORTHY
Cheryl has received multiple national and international media features and mentions.
As an international speaker and multi-best selling author Cheryl has accomplished a myriad of milestones over her 30+ year career as a leader. For a visual snapshot of her latest accomplishments, hit the link below.
- Published Books
Words from the Spirit: A Book of Prayers & Reflections
(2013)
Safehouse: A Practical Guide to Safeguard Your Marriage and Your Heart from the Enemy
(2016)
Soul Reborn: A Book of Words, Motivations, and Inspirations
(2016)
Soul Talk: 20 Soul Stirring Stories of Women Who Let Go & Let God
(2017)
Soul Bearer: 9 Soul-Bearing Conversations from Men Sharing Their Unspoken Truths
(2017)
Soul Source: 23 Soulful Stories of Women Who Relied on God During Difficult Times
(2017)
Soul Talk Vol. 2: 21 Soul Stirring Stories of People Who Let Go and Let God
(2018)
Souled Out: Inspirational Stories on Beating the Odds with Radical Faith & Prayer
(2018)
The Success Factor: Stories from Successful Entrepreneurs Who Thrived After Facing Failure
(2018)
*Affirmed: 365 Positive Thoughts & Actions to Start Your Day (2018) Indie Author Award winner
Soulful Prayers: The Power of Intentional Communication with God
(2019)
Soul-to-Soul: Married Couples’ Stories About Growing Together and Becoming One with God
(2019)
Soul Talk Vol. 3: 21 Soul Stirring Stories of People Who Let Go and Let God
(2020)
Soulful Prayers Vol. 2: The Power of Intentional Communication with God
(2020)
Souled Out Vol. 2: Inspirational Stories on Beating the Odds with Radical Faith & Prayer
(2021)
*The Art of Influence: Inviting Success into Every Area of Your Life (2021) African American Literary Award Winner
(2021)
Soulful Affirmations: 365 Days of Positive Thoughts & Lessons to Start Your Day
(2021)
Affirmed Vol. 2: 365 Positive Thoughts & Actions to Start Your Day
(2023)