Cristan Williams has worked for decades to address the practical needs of underserved populations and has cultivated expertise in the intersections of social determinants of health, public policy, and nonprofit management. She founded numerous social service programs, established community centers, and a community library and archive. She received numerous awards for her work, presented at universities nationwide, served on multiple public health and executive boards, and is a founding member of the Transgender Foundation of America and the Bee Busy Wellness Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center.