Utah Foster Care Addresses Comments About Cameron Williams

In light of recent comments regarding Cameron Williams’ involvement with Utah Foster Care, we would like to provide some clarification. To reiterate, Cameron’s Silicon Slopes connection, background directing Domo’s diversity efforts, Chair of Utah County Black Chamber of Commerce, and his personal experience fostering kin, made him a great support for Utah Foster Care’s mission. Diverse homes for diverse children is a pressing need in the state of Utah.

Cameron’s impact and passion kickstarted crucial conversations surrounding diversity needs in the state of Utah. We hope to honor Cameron by moving diversity conversations and efforts forward to help children from all backgrounds find safety and love, and keep culture and tradition a priority in their lives.

Utah Foster Care CEO, Mike Hamblin addresses Cameron’s relationship with UFC –

“I was introduced to Cameron Williams in February 2021, by a Utah Foster Care employee who was acquainted with him. After communicating with Cameron via email regarding his desires to help children and families, Utah Foster Care’s board chair and I met with him in March 2021. We were impressed and excited by Cameron’s desire to make a difference and invited him to join the Utah Foster Care board of directors.

We planned for Cameron to attend the next Utah Foster Care board meeting, held in May 2021, where his joining the board of directors would be formalized by board vote. Note – while a vote is required, I do not know of anyone who has been invited to join and not received the votes to do so.

Unfortunately, Cameron contacted me the end of April to inform me that, due to health issues, he was temporarily relocating to Chicago to be near family for surgery and recovery. With that in mind, we agreed to postpone Cameron joining the Utah Foster Care board of directors.

On June 2, 2021, I received an email from Cameron. His recovery was going well and he was preparing to return to Utah. In his own words, Cameron wrote:

” … if there is ANY WAY at all that I can be of service or help in the initiatives of Utah Foster Care this year, PLEASE let me know. I want to help in any way I can, and I have more love and appreciation in my heart than I ever have.”

At that time, I replied to Cameron that we were happy to hear about his recovery and were still excited to have him join the Utah Foster Care board of directors. You can’t imagine how shocked and saddened I was to learn that he passed away the following day. Cameron had been excited to assist in training staff and foster families regarding diversity and inclusion. He was familiar with a number of resources that would be useful for families caring for children of color, to assist them in keeping those children connected to their race and culture. Our prayers are with his friends and family – he will be missed.”

Michael J. Hamblin
Chief Executive Officer
Utah Foster Care

If you know of someone who may be a good fit for Utah Foster Care’s board of directors, please email Utah Foster Care CEO, Mike Hamblin (mike.hamblin@utahfostercare.org).

Stay tuned for a more in depth look at foster care and diversity in the state of Utah.