Diversity efforts are at the forefront of Utah Foster Care’s mission to show up for Utah’s children in foster care.

Before Cameron Williams’ life was tragically cut short by cancer, Utah Foster Care looked forward to bringing his expertise and Silicon Slopes connection to UFC’s Board. His background directing Domo’s diversity efforts and as Chair of Utah County Black Chamber of Commerce, combined with his personal experience fostering kin of his own, made him a great fit for helping support Utah Foster Care’s mission.

After discussions with Utah Foster Care, Cameron was invited to become an official Utah Foster Care Board Member in June 2021.

Utah Foster Care invited Cameron and other board members and foster parents to join a Fresh Wolf event, filmed by Bravo’s Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, raising awareness for Utah Foster Care. UFC Board Chair Rob Gerlach shared how adopting children from foster care and the support of Utah Foster Care and the community changed his life. “It’s an intricate partnership with our community, and what you’re doing here tonight is exactly what helps us help our families lead all those hidden heroes along their journeys so that one day their stories can be told,” Rob said.

The loss of Cameron was felt by many. Domo Founder and CEO Josh James said Cameron has passed the torch to all of us to make a difference in our community. Utah Foster Care hopes to connect with others who may bring similar expertise to serving Utah’s children.

Utah Foster Care CEO, Mike Hamblin said, “Utah Foster Care’s board chair and I met with Cameron 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 he would formally join the board of directors. Unfortunately, Cameron contacted me at 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, Mike Hamblin received an email from Cameron. His recovery was going well and he was preparing to return to Utah. 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."”

The following day, UFC received news of his passing. 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 thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. He will be missed.

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).