A Practical Partner with Real-World Experience
Kristi J. Williams
Founder & Principal Consultant, KJW Inc.
I partner with international and independent schools, non-profits, and mission-driven organizations to strengthen governance leadership, guide strategic planning, and support clear, effective communications.
My approach is simple, practical, thoughtful, and highly relational. I don’t bring all the answers. I bring perspective, structure, and the right questions to help clients find the path that best fits their goals and reality and turn good thinking into tangible action.
I began my career in marketing, communications, and advertising, building a strong foundation in strategy, messaging, branding, and stakeholder engagement. Over time, that work expanded into the international school sector, where I found a deep connection to mission-driven leadership and the unique role schools play in shaping communities.
For nine years, I served on the senior leadership team at the International Community School in Addis Ababa, where I led strategic planning, communications, advancement, and strategic partnerships, while also serving as Board Administrator.
In that role, I worked closely with Heads of School, board chairs, and trustees to strengthen board operations, support governance transitions, revise policy, preserve institutional continuity, and align leadership around broader strategic direction.
That experience gave me an inside view of how schools function and what strong governance and leadership require. It also reinforced something I continue to believe deeply: healthy schools are built not only through vision, but through clarity of roles, thoughtful strategy, strong relationships, and consistent communication.
Today, I work with schools and organizations across around the world to strengthen governance leadership, design inclusive strategic planning processes, support strategic and crisis communications, and facilitate leadership and team conversations. My goal is to help people think well together and move forward with greater confidence, coherence, and purpose.
I also bring a deeply personal understanding of international education. My family has lived and worked internationally for many years, and our four children attended international schools. That lived experience continues to shape how I think about leadership, belonging, communication, and the kind of environments schools strive to create.
Originally from Seattle, WA, I have lived and worked across multiple contexts in the U.S. and internationally. Today, I am based in Kenya and continue to partner with schools and organizations wherever they may be.
“During a particularly challenging season, Kristi was instrumental in helping us establish a strong foundation of governance, something that would have taken us years to achieve on our own. Kristi guided us through the formation of our first managing board of governors, the launch of a parent organization, and a head of school transition.”
-Sean Anderson, Managing Director, ACTS Group - Woodland Star International School