JP Update: Williams Academy Express

Number 381 June 19, 2026 St. Louis

Building Brighter Futures Through Education: The Williams Academy Express Story

David Williams is changing the way we look at education in St. Louis, MO

Pictured above Yolanda Nelson and David Williams

For David Williams, education has always been about more than academics. It is about creating opportunities, changing lives, and helping young people discover a future they may not have thought possible.

As the founder of Williams Academy in St. Louis, David has spent years building a learning environment where children can thrive through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education. In just four years, Williams Academy has grown to capacity at its current location, serving students and families throughout the community while earning a reputation for excellence and impact.

Now, David and, Yonnick Jones, Co-owner of Williams Academy, are preparing for their next chapter: the opening of Williams Academy Express in Florissant.

Their vision is simple but powerful. They want to expand their reach, serve more families, and provide children with a safe, engaging place to learn, grow, and dream.

Photograph courtesy of Williams Academy STL

“We want to reach the kids who are bored,” David explains
“When young people don’t have opportunities, they can find themselves headed down the wrong path. We want to help them see a future filled with possibilities.”

For David, success is measured by the lives changed along the way.

He wants the students who walk through the doors of Williams Academy to see college as a possibility, not prison. He wants them to discover talents they never knew they had and gain the confidence to pursue their goals.

As demand for quality childcare and educational programming continues to grow, expanding the academy has become necessary for many individuals. But like many entrepreneurs and community leaders, David faced a significant challenge: securing the funding needed to bring his vision to life.
Despite his passion and proven track record, David wasn’t certain that financing would be possible. During the process, Justine PETERSEN, CEO, Robert Boyle offered words that would stay with him.

“It’s a new day.”

Those words became a reminder that opportunities exist for those who are willing to pursue them.

With support from Justine PETERSEN and its lending partners at Simmons Bank, David received the funding needed to move forward with Williams Academy Express. The investment will not only create additional childcare and educational opportunities for families but will also generate jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, and provide lasting benefits for the community.

David’s motivation comes from his own experiences growing up.

His goal is to provide opportunities for children who may not have access to the same resources he had. He wants every child to know that their future matters and that their circumstances do not define their potential.

The dream of Williams Academy Express is becoming a reality.

With a new location on the horizon and a growing impact across the region, David and Yonnick are continuing their commitment to building brighter futures for children and families throughout St. Louis.

Justine PETERSEN is proud to be part of that journey and excited to see the lives that will be changed through Williams Academy Express for years to come.

Celebrating Freedom, Community, and Pride in St. Louis

June is a special month because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate freedom, history, and the many people who make our communities stronger.

This week, we at Justine PETERSEN recognize both Juneteenth and Pride Month. While these observances come from different moments in history, they share a common message: everyone deserves the opportunity to live freely, be treated with dignity, and have their voice heard.

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It is a day to reflect on our nation’s history, celebrate Black culture and achievements, and recognize the ongoing work of building a more equitable future.

Pride Month honors the courage, resilience, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a time to celebrate authenticity, support one another, and recognize the individuals who have worked tirelessly to create a more inclusive society.

Here in St. Louis, these celebrations remind us that our community is strongest when everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Whether it is supporting local businesses, attending community events, learning about our shared history, or simply showing kindness to our neighbors, each of us has a role to play in creating a welcoming community.

As we celebrate Juneteenth and Pride this month, let us continue listening, learning, and lifting one another up. Together, we can honor the past while helping build a future where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

How to Connect and Celebrate This Weekend (And Beyond!)

St. Louis is alive with opportunities to learn, support local creators, and celebrate together. Here are a few ways to dive in: Support Black-Owned and Queer-Owned Businesses: Take time this weekend to intentionally redirect your dollars. Grab a meal at a local Black-owned restaurant, shop at queer-owned boutiques, or support local makers at neighborhood pop-up markets.

Immerse Yourself in Juneteenth Heritage: Honor the holiday by engaging with incredible local cultural programming. Consider visiting The Griot Museum of Black History for their annual Juneteenth Festival, exploring the Freedom Seekers project at the Missouri Botanical Garden, or enjoying the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s vibrant “Soul of a People” celebration of Black music.

Gear Up for Downtown PrideFest: The celebration continues through the end of the month! Keep the energy going as we approach PrideFest 2026 in Downtown St. Louis on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28. Under this year’s banner to Educate. Advocate. Celebrate, it’s the perfect space to show up as an ally, enjoy the Grand Pride Parade, and connect with local non-profits.

As we move through this vibrant weekend, let’s carry the spirit of both Juneteenth and Pride forward. Let’s listen to each other’s stories, protect one another’s rights, and continue building a more equitable, inclusive St. Louis for everyone.

Happy Juneteenth and Happy Pride Month from all of us at Justine PETERSEN.

We will be closed on Friday, June 19th, 2026

Opening Doors to Homeownership Through Education

At Justine PETERSEN, we believe that homeownership is one of the most powerful tools for building wealth, stability, and generational opportunity. That’s why we’re proud to partner with eHome America to help individuals and families gain the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve their homeownership goals.

Through this partnership, aspiring homeowners have access to convenient, online homebuyer education that can be completed at their own pace. The program covers essential topics such as budgeting, credit management, mortgage readiness, the homebuying process, and maintaining a home after purchase. Combined with Justine PETERSEN’s housing counseling services, participants receive both the education and personalized support needed to make informed financial decisions.

Justine PETERSEN and eHome America are helping break down barriers to homeownership by making quality education accessible to more people, regardless of their schedule or location. The result is a stronger foundation for future homeowners, healthier communities, and greater opportunities for families to build lasting wealth.

Whether you’re preparing to purchase your first home, working to improve your financial readiness, or simply exploring your options, the journey starts with education. Through our partnership with eHome America, we’re helping more individuals and families take that first step toward a place to call home.

Ready to begin your homeownership journey? Visit eHome America through Justine PETERSEN and connect with our housing counseling team to learn more about the resources available to you.

Learn more

Our new Sharing The Why will be in-person at Elevator St. Louis with Obie Anthony! Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Opportunity

What happens when someone loses years of their life for a crime they did not commit?

While exoneration restores a person’s legal innocence, it does not automatically restore the opportunities, stability, and time that were taken away. Many exonerees face significant barriers when rebuilding their lives, including challenges related to employment, housing, financial security, healthcare, and community reintegration.

Join Justine PETERSEN, community leaders, advocates, and individuals with lived experience for an important conversation about the realities of life after exoneration and the role we all play in creating pathways to success.

During this session, we will explore the challenges faced by exonerated individuals, discuss opportunities for meaningful support, and examine how communities can work toward a future where justice extends beyond release and into restoration.

This event will provide a space for education, dialogue, and action as we seek to understand better the impact of wrongful convictions and the importance of second chances.

Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026

Hosted By: Justine PETERSEN

Location: 1230 Macklind Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110

Audience: Community members, advocates, service providers, employers, policymakers, and anyone interested in advancing justice and opportunity.

Join us as we move the conversation from exoneration to empowerment.

Eventbrite Link

Ignite Illinois: Empowering Small Business Owners in Southern Illinois!

Are you a small business owner in Southern Illinois? Ignite Illinois is your opportunity to access essential funding and support services to grow and strengthen your business. Whether you need accounting help, legal guidance, or tools to boost your credit, we’re here to assist!

Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future and take your business to the next level!

Have questions?

Please reach out to Peyton McGovern at pmcgovern@justinepetersen.org.