Sheldon Williams

CEO & Founder

Sheldon Williams is a visionary futurist dedicated to creating a better world for all humanity. With over 20 years of service in the United States Coast Guard, as a Chief Warrant Officer he has developed a unique perspective on the challenges facing society today. In 1999, he co-founded and became President of both Edfu Foundation Inc., an NGO with special EcoSoc status in the United Nations, and The Conservancy Corp, organizations that promote social justice, economic
equality, and the advancement of human rights.

As Co-Chair of the International Working Group for the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, Sheldon has worked tirelessly to eliminate systemic racism and promote diversity and inclusion. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Golden Gate Chapter of the Chief Petty Officers Association and as President of the Golden Gate Chapter of the Chief Warrant Officers Association, working to advance the interests of Coast Guard
personnel and improve the quality of life for all service members.

Sheldon is a skilled project and technology manager, strategic planner, and team builder with extensive experience in public speaking and research. He holds several certifications in non-profit management and fundraising and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Sheldon also runs Afronauts, a futurism collective and blog that showcases diverse characters in speculative fiction and inspires young people to raise their self-esteem.

Through his work as a futurist and social justice advocate, Sheldon Williams has made a significant contribution to the advancement of human rights and equality. He has been recognized for his service with multiple awards, including the National NAACP Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award and the Society of American Indian Government Employees Meritorious Service Award and the U.S. Coast Guard Voluntary Service Medal. Sheldon is a true visionary and a
powerful force for positive change in the world.

Permanent Forum For People of African Decent

Sheldon, as a member of EDFU Foundation, serves as one of the co-chairs on the committee for the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent with with in the United Nations and was one of the driving forces that helped make this forum a reality! He continues to work with the organizations, individuals, and governments around the world to ensure the long-term success of the forum.

United Nations Advocacy

Sheldon is active participant within the United Nations ECOSOC NGO forums. He leads EDFU Foundation and is the principal force behind the work this organization does with the United Nations. He has helped to ensure that EDFU Foundation has held parallel events at the CSW forum since 2019; he helped to setup our organization's first parallel event during the 2022 ECOSOC Youth Forum; he has lead us in hosting parallel events for the Permanent Forum for Indigenous People since 2020; and he has written, submitted, and read statements on behalf of EDFU Foundation at the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples from 2016-2019.

Bay Area Street Pantry

Sheldon was one of the original founders of our Bay Area Street Pantry, a program that currently serves over 220+ a week with groceries in Oakland, CA, USA. Sheldon continues to help with weekly operations for the food handout, as well as advocating to help end hunger and food insecurity within the world.

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Afronauts Collective

Sheldon is the founder of our Afronauts program. He is known as Agent Afronaut within the collective. He currently works as our chief MC on the Afronauts podcast and travels to various cons and festivals throughout the year to bring light to the Arts.

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