By Isabelle Tilley
If you’ve ever eaten at the campus dining hall, you’ve likely been greeted by Gereldetta Williams—AKA Ms.G —a familiar, joyful face who knows more student names than most professors. For the past four years, she has been a constant presence on the Sodexo crew, radiating care, energy, and connection.
Originally from Raleigh, Ms. G has deep roots in North Carolina and has never lived anywhere else.
“My parents were from small towns in the state, but they met in New York and eventually moved back. I was born here and never left,” Ms. G said.
Before working at Peace, she ran her own catering and cleaning businesses, building everything from the ground up.
“I did it all with no education behind it,” Ms. G said. “Now, being here, I’ve learned so much about food safety and logistics that I never knew before. I only knew what my mom taught me in the kitchen.”
Inspired by the students she sees every day, Ms. G recently decided to return to school.
“I always wanted to help people, especially those in rehab or going through tough times,” Ms. G said. “I didn’t think I’d ever go back to school at my age, but being here … it made me believe I could.”
Now working toward a future in peer support and psychology, Ms. G continues to show up for her shifts with the same vibrant spirit. Her goal is simple: to make students feel at home.
“Some of them come in shy, fresh from home, not knowing anybody,” Ms. G said. “I try to notice that. Ask them their favorite dessert. Just talk. It’s the little things that change how someone feels.”
She carries that same love and care into her kitchen at home. Every Sunday, Ms. G runs her own catering business through her Facebook page, serving up different weekly dishes, such as Jamaican-style curry goat, oxtails, pot roast with vegetables, and fried plantains.
“Whatever makes people feel full and loved,” Ms. G said.
(Photo by Isabelle Tilley)
Her favorite ways to unwind are watching reality TV, thrift shopping and gardening.
“I’ve got flowers everywhere, even brought some back to life from the dumpster. They’re on my porch now,” Ms. G said.
For now, her impact is felt every day on campus. She may not teach in a classroom, but Ms. G is a teacher of kindness, presence and how small gestures can mean everything.
“Some days I’m not having the best day,” Ms. G said, “but when I see y’all and you’re like, ‘I’ve got class, then practice, then work,’ it gives me energy. You guys give me energy.”