David Williams is a former NASA Project Manager, author, “Mind Over Parkinson’s”, and a passionate advocate for those living with chronic illness. At NASA Glenn Research Center, he led major facility operations and maintenance efforts, overseeing research environments such as wind tunnels, zero gravity facilities, and the Icing Research Tunnel. His leadership expanded the workforce from 35 to over 250 employees and raised minority representation from 5% to 35%. David holds a B.A. from Capital University and an M.Div. from Ashland Theological Seminary. In 1977, he was nominated for a prestigious fellowship— later known as the Benjamin E. Mays Fellowship—funded by the Rockefeller Foundation. The fellowship required candidates to address a topic that posed a challenge to both society and the church—something with implications in both the secular and theological worlds. David’s chosen thesis—“Can You Baptize Someone Who Has Been Medically and Legally Changed from One Sex to Another?”—was pioneering and controversial. He was the only seminarian in the country to take on this subject at the time. Known for what one professor described as his “nice, irreverent mind,” David has always carved his own path choosing postgraduate study that enhanced performance over collecting degrees, and earning consistent performance ratings above 95% throughout his NASA career. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2000, David has transformed personal adversity into a mission of empowerment. Through his book and public speaking, he advocates for self-care, resilience, and the healing power of gratitude. He lives in Washington, DC the with his wife Charice and is the proud father of six children, two of whom are deceased. His story continues to inspire others to lead with purpose—even in the face of life-altering challenges.