A Caring Soul Makes Others Whole: Dr. Williams-Rahming's Spark Story Unfolds

Wednesday, January 22

7:00 a.m.

DeShay Williams

Hi Thomasville!

When hardworking Thomasville volunteers find their calling, remarkable transformation can happen.

Dr. Lorraine Williams-Rahming proves this true with her kind spirit and generous dedication to helping others. These qualities have made her an invaluable part of the Spark Thomasville family.

A Legacy of Building and Believing

Dr. Williams-Rahming and her mentee Spark Graduate Jennifer Dyson, owner of Unlimited and Beyond Catering.

Growing up in Trinidad with caring parents - her mother a secretary and her father an accountant - Dr. Williams-Rahming learned early that anything was possible. “My mother is my inspiration. She taught us we could do and be anything we chose. I believed her!”

Her carpenter grandfather instilled in her a love for creating and building that would shape her future endeavors.

This foundation of support gave her the courage to pursue her dreams at Howard University in America.

Today, alongside her medical practice, Dr. Williams-Rahming and her husband build and restore houses in Thomasville, bringing her joy in designing and creating beautiful spaces. “I love building stuff from scratch,” she shares with genuine enthusiasm.

A Neighborly Introduction to Spark

Dr. Williams-Rahming first heard of Spark Thomasville through her friendly neighbor, DeShay Williams. She also filled in for friend and Spark business coach Andrè Marria, meeting entrepreneur Tequesta Diggs.

“Spark Tank was one of my first introductions to the mission. I was SO amazed at what was taking place. WOW!” she recalls with enthusiasm. “The way they were supporting these entrepreneurs who are on the path to becoming the backbone of our community amazed me.”

The Power of Fair Partnership

When asked to become a mentor, Dr. Williams-Rahming was a little hesitant but partnering with Spark business coach Harry Vann gave her the courage to step out.

Together, they embodied Spark Thomasville’s values of collaboration and community engagement. “I knew that together we could do it,” she shares. “I had a lot of fun, not just with my mentee but with all the other entrepreneurs in the program.”

Building Community Through Generous Service

Dr. Williams-Rahming’s passion aligns perfectly with Spark Thomasville’s mission to educate, train, encourage, and support underestimated entrepreneurs. “The Spark value that inspires me the most is about building community, allowing people to become their best selves.”

A Window to Economic Viability

“Volunteering with Spark Thomasville is such an eye-opener to the Thomasville community. Being involved in Spark enhances my professional and personal life.” Her dedication helps create the supportive ecosystem that underestimated entrepreneurs need to thrive.

An Invitation to Make a Difference

Dr. Williams-Rahming stands with mentee and Spark Tank graduate and owner Jennifer Dyson. (Left to right: Spark Thomasville business coach Harry Vann, entrepreneur Jennifer Dyson of Unlimited and Beyond Catering, business coach Dr. Lorraine Williams-Rahming, and business coach Earl Williams.)

To those considering involvement with Spark Thomasville, Dr. Williams-Rahming offers this invitation: “If you have a little time and a desire to experience the real Thomasville and build up our beautiful community, just give us one meeting, and you too will get a Spark like the rest of us. Spark really lights me up!”

Then she adds, “It feeds my soul.”

Through volunteers like Dr. Williams-Rahming, Spark Thomasville continues to address the barriers minority entrepreneurs face, providing essential education, coaching, and access to affordable capital.

Her story reminds us that with fair access to resources, guidance, and support, entrepreneurs can build businesses and stronger communities.