Rogerson Communities is saddened by the passing of Victoria Williams, a tireless advocate for equal housing rights in Boston and a longtime friend to the organization. Williams will be recognized posthumously with a lifetime achievement award for her decades of advocacy and contributions to the cause of fair and affordable housing in Boston at Rogerson’s fundraising gala in October.

Williams served as Co-President of Forward, Inc., an organization founded by civil rights icon Melnea Cass—and one that has long worked closely with Rogerson—to serve older adults in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood.

A lifelong Bostonian, Williams spent more than 30 years in a number of senior-level positions within the City of Boston, most notably as Director of Boston’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR). The OCR was created in 1995 as a human rights umbrella agency promoting fair treatment and equal access for all people living and working in Boston. It has oversight in the areas of fair housing, discrimination in public accommodation, disability rights and access, and community relations.

She also served as Executive Director of the Boston Fair Housing Commission (BFHC), which operates programs that affirmatively further fair housing and address issues of fair and equal access to housing opportunity in Boston. Her accomplishments there include seeking enforcement powers through the state legislature to bring Boston law in line with federal fair housing law, and strengthening the BFHC’s investigations and enforcement program.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and collaborator,” said Walter Ramos, Rogerson President and CEO, adding that he remained gratified that the organization is able to honor her life and contributions with the award. “Her advocacy on behalf older adults and their well-being, from her work with the city to her leadership at Forward, Inc., are nothing short of inspirational. Seldom does one person have such an outsized positive impact on so many lives.”

Forward, Inc. engaged Rogerson in 1999 to manage its Council Tower residence and help preserve this housing resource for the community. Since then, Rogerson has significantly remodeled Council Tower with exterior improvements and upgraded systems. Rogerson also assisted Forward, Inc. in the redevelopment of a blighted three-acre site in Egleston Square, originally the Home for Aged Couples, transforming it into affordable, service-rich housing that was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Today, more than 260 residents live in its three historic properties: Carleton House, Walnut House and Cooper House; and one newly constructed building: Spencer House.

Williams will be honored at Rogerson’s annual Welcome Home Gala, Boston’s premier fundraising event for older adults. The gala will be held on October 8, 2026, at Boston Harbor Hotel.