About RISEWITHUS

RISEWITHUS helps organizations navigate conflict, align values with action, and build cultures rooted in equity, accountability, and belonging.

We work with organizations that are tired of surface-level solutions and ready to do the real work—inside their people, their leadership, and their systems.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to equity or conflict. Every organization has its own history, power dynamics, and cultural realities. That’s why our work is tailored, relational, and action-oriented.

Through conflict transformation, leadership development, and organizational strategy, we help teams move beyond avoidance, defensiveness, and performative efforts—toward clarity, trust, and lasting change.

What Guides Our Work

We believe meaningful transformation requires:

Self-examination and reflection as the foundation for sustainable change
Values-aligned action, not just aspirational language
Shared power and accountability in decision-making
Ongoing learning and adaptability, especially in moments of tension
Honest engagement with bias, identity, and lived experience

This is not quick work. It is necessary work. And it works.

KARINE J. WILLIAMS (KJ)

Co-Founder/CEO

KJ Williams is a facilitator, strategist, and conflict transformation practitioner who works with leaders and organizations navigating complex challenges at the intersection of equity, power, and human behavior.

As Co-Founder of RISEWITHUS, KJ partners with organizations across nonprofit, government, education, faith-based, and corporate sectors to address conflict, rebuild trust, and create cultures grounded in accountability and belonging.

KJ’s work is known for being direct, human-centered, and deeply relational—helping teams move beyond performative DEI efforts and into meaningful cultural shifts.

They hold a BA in Urban Studies from the University of Washington and an MPA from Seattle University, and bring decades of experience advancing equity-centered leadership and organizational change.

KJ has served on the City of Seattle LGBT Commission, the University of Washington School of Law Diversity Committee, the Initiative for Diversity Board of Directors, and the Gates Scholarship Committee at UW School of Law. They are currently completing a Certified Mediator Practicum with the Center for Dialog and Resolution.

At the heart of KJ’s work is a simple belief: conflict, when engaged with integrity and care, can be a pathway to growth and healing.

ANTASIA J. WILLIAMS (AJ)

Co-Founder/Managing Director

AJ Williams is a strategist, facilitator, and mediator focused on helping organizations turn challenge into opportunity through equity-centered leadership and conflict engagement.

As Co-Founder of RISEWITHUS, AJ brings deep experience in youth development, nonprofit leadership, organizational strategy, and conflict resolution. Their work supports teams in building inclusive cultures grounded in accountability, adaptability, and shared responsibility.

AJ holds a BA in Political Science from Western Washington University and has served in roles ranging from front-line work to executive leadership within the nonprofit sector.

A Certified Mediator through the Center for Dialog and Resolution, AJ specializes in helping organizations address conflict with clarity, restore trust, and move toward lasting change.

Beyond organizational work, AJ is deeply committed to personal growth and development—supporting individuals to lead with courage, self-awareness, and intention.

We don’t help organizations avoid conflict. We help them learn how to face it—together.

Organizational Partners