Chief Diversity and Community Health Equity Officer
UI Health (University of Illinois at Chicago)
As someone who raised a child with a number of chronic diseases, Rani Morrison Williams understands the challenges of navigating complex healthcare systems as both a patient and caregiver. As a result of her personal experiences, her career has been dedicated to improving access and equity in healthcare for all. Ms. Williams has served as the first Chief Diversity and Community Health Equity Officer at University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System (UI Health) charged with leading the health system’s formal efforts towards improving diversity, inclusion, and health equity internally and externally in the communities UI Health serves since 2021. In all, Ms. Williams has over 25 years of healthcare experience in various facets of healthcare including public health, research, care coordination, and hospital administration.
Ms. Williams holds a BS in Sociology from Southern University and A&M College, a Master's in Public Service Management from DePaul University, a Master's of Social Work from University of Southern California, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and the current President of the Chicago Health Executives Forum. Ms. Williams has been recognized for her achievements as a Crain’s Chicago 2019 Notable Women in Healthcare honoree, a Crain’s Chicago 2022 Notable Executive of Color in Healthcare, a 2025 Chicago United BLC, and named on the Becker’s Healthcare Diversity Officers to Watch and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officers to Watch lists multiple times.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Ms. Williams is very active in her community serving on several nonprofit boards and in organizational leadership positions, including as the 2025 Chicago Health Executives Forum President.
Voices from the Frontlines: Redesigning Community Healthcare with Trust and Data
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
10:45am - 11:45am CT