This essay, adapted from a conversation with Teri Williams—president and chief operating officer of OneUnited Bank—discusses her upbringing and the influence of her great-grandmother, Ma Honey. Growing up in Indiantown, Florida, Teri was inspired by Ma Honey’s entrepreneurial spirit, which included running a penny candy store and various other businesses that provided opportunities for her family in a segregated society.
Teri’s journey took her to prestigious institutions like Brown University and Harvard Business School, leading her to help consolidate banks aimed at serving the Black community. Throughout her career, Teri and her husband Kevin raised their children while building OneUnited Bank, emphasizing the importance of saving and financial literacy.
She reflected on the challenges of teaching financial concepts to her children, recognizing that terminology can be confusing and that financial habits evolve over generations. Teri expressed her hope that the lessons learned from Ma Honey will inspire future generations to serve not only their communities but the world at large.
