Cinna’Mon Williams, chief operating officer of NAMC-Oregon, has been named a 2025 DJC Phenoms & Icons honoree, recognized for more than three decades of leadership advancing equity in contracting and creating pathways for underrepresented communities within the construction industry.
In her role at NAMC-Oregon, Williams serves as the organization’s primary funding developer, securing critical resources that allow the nonprofit to sustain and expand its mission. She also leads human resources and organizational operations, building a workplace culture centered on accountability, collaboration and performance. Her leadership has resulted in streamlined systems and protocols that strengthen team effectiveness and enhance how NAMC-Oregon delivers programs and services.
Under Williams’ operational direction, the organization has reinforced its standing as a leading advocate for contractors of color and equity-driven practices across Oregon’s construction sector. She has implemented lasting structural improvements that include stronger accountability measures, more efficient operational practices and an emphasis on innovation across programs. These changes have helped expand opportunities for small businesses, contractors of color and women-owned firms.
Her approach to leadership has fostered an organizational culture where excellence and equity are inseparable, ensuring programs are delivered efficiently while maintaining a strong commitment to fairness and inclusion.
Before joining NAMC-Oregon, Williams held a leadership role at the Urban League of Portland, where she launched and led initiatives addressing pressing community needs. Her work included creating the Entrepreneurship Academy to empower small business owners and developing the Feed the Folks Initiative to combat food insecurity. She also redeveloped youth and family services and expanded employment programs that served more than 900 career seekers each year, producing measurable impact across the region.
Beyond her professional roles, Williams has served on numerous local boards, councils and committees focused on workforce development, equity in contracting and youth advancement. She is widely regarded as a mentor and role model, particularly for young women entering the workforce, and is known for openly sharing her expertise and lived experience to help others advance with confidence.
“What makes Cinna’Mon truly exceptional is the combination of her strategic expertise and her personal commitment to people. She does not simply manage operations – she empowers teams. She does not just advocate for equity – she builds pathways for it. And she does not stop at professional success – she ensures that others rise with her,” wrote Auralyn Concepcion-Murphy, NAMC-Oregon marketing and communications manager, in the Icons nomination form.
Williams holds a Master of Business Administration in management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a leadership focus from Marylhurst University in Oregon. Her recognition as a DJC Phenoms & Icons honoree reflects a career defined by purpose-driven leadership, systemic change and a lasting commitment to equity in the construction industry.
Originally reported by DJC Staff in DJC oregon.
