Today we’d like to introduce you to Dion Williams.
Hi Dion, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up on the north side of Chicago and spent a majority of my childhood in the Englewood neighborhood on the south side to a single mom/police officer. My father was nowhere in my life which is mainly the reason that brought myself and my boys to the ATL. My company that I created ECSports mentoring, assists with the development and growth of youth ages 12-18 from all different backgrounds and cultures. With mentoring kids through sports and activities, we’re creating good healthy habits of routine, structure, team building, encouragement in one another, confidence, and leadership ability as the years go on. ECSports Mentoring Inc encourages complexity and creativity whether it be sports, arts, or studies. Being able to travel with the guys to different destinations such as Atlanta to coach them in the sport they love is a blessing, and the southern hospitality in Atlanta embraced us with open arms.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Unfortunately, nothing is ever smooth, some of my players I mentor are from the “suburbs” however their families are struggling just as much as the inner city families are, it’s tough because everyone assumes because you stay in a suburb that your family doesn’t struggle as well. Some of my players have to work full-time jobs to help take care of their families at 16, so I try my best to do what I can whether it’s training them physically or emotionally and being there for them when necessary.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve been the host of EC SPORTS for over 20 years…. it’s a local television show based in Chicago however we cover sports nationally from high school through the pros. I’ve interviewed Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James all in their prime to name a few. Everybody tells me how lucky I am, however it’s an amazing blessing to be able to do this. And it’s a great tool to utilize while mentoring youth so they could see that they could do anything that they put their mind to.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Definitely… make sure you are happy! Happiness is the number one necessity whenever you’re doing anything, whether it’s business, personal, social, etc. Everybody says you got a grind, and that’s the truth…you’re not gonna get anything sitting around waiting for others, you got to GET UP GET OUT AND GET SOMETHIN. Lol, you see what I did right there? Shout out to Outkast.
Contact Info:
- Email: Media@ecsports.net
- Website: ECSports.net
