Loné Williams is a shining example of the adage about turning pain into purpose.
After losing her mother to domestic violence in 2023, Williams was able to channel her immense grief into action and a deep commitment to affecting and creating change for others who are touched by domestic violence. Her organization, Love & Protect Wisdom (LPW), is focused on raising awareness about the issue of domestic violence and supporting survivors with a myriad of services and information.
In acknowledgement of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Williams and LPW have partnered with several Chicago landmarks for the ‘Tower Over Domestic Violence‘ campaign to symbolize support for survivors and remembrance of victims during the week of October 20-26. Throughout the week, residents and businesses are encouraged to demonstrate solidarity by lighting their homes, storefronts, and offices in purple—the official color of domestic violence awareness.
Iconic landmarks, including Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, Blue Cross Blue Shield Tower, and the Prudential Building, have committed to illuminating their structures in purple, transforming the Chicago skyline into a beacon of hope and unity.
The campaign also features exciting initiatives, including a collaborative fashion show with survivors hosted by KHOI, a week of free classes at Orangetheory Fitness, and citywide lighting events, as well as a fundraiser event to support LPW’s vital programs—ranging from counseling and legal advocacy to workshops and support groups—dedicated to empowering survivors and breaking the cycle of violence.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the passionate activist to learn more about her story and the relentless work she does with LPW to educate and help survivors.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Loné Williams?
Loné Monique Williams is a survivor and advocate who turned pain into purpose. I’m a woman whose life has been rooted in service — from teaching and firefighting to leading a nonprofit that helps families heal from domestic violence. After losing my mother to domestic violence in 2023, I made it my mission to honor her legacy by helping others find safety, peace, and empowerment. Every role I’ve held — firefighter, EMT, teacher, general contractor, and now nonprofit founder — has been about protecting, building, and restoring. My life’s work is to remind people that healing is possible and that purpose can grow from even the deepest pain.
What are three words your family and friends would use to describe you?
Compassionate. Driven. Resilient.
Please tell us about Love & Protect Wisdom and the work you do.
Love & Protect Wisdom is a nonprofit organization I founded to support survivors and families affected by domestic violence. Our mission is centered on healing, awareness, and prevention. We provide free therapy through our Medicaid-approved program, distribute Ring cameras with lifetime Ring subscriptions to help survivors feel safe in their homes, and assist with temporary housing expenses for those rebuilding after abuse. We also offer educational workshops and healing events designed to help survivors and young people process trauma, rebuild their confidence, and reconnect with their community.
At Love & Protect Wisdom, everything we do is about restoring safety, dignity, and hope — and breaking generational cycles of violence through love, education, and empowerment.
Also, please tell us about your inaugural Tower Over Domestic Violence campaign in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The Tower Over Domestic Violence campaign is a historic campaign I created to honor survivors and victims during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I personally secured the illumination of Chicago’s skyline — marking the first time in history that iconic towers like Willis Tower, John Hancock, Prudential, and Blue Cross Blue Shield will be illuminated purple in solidarity with survivors.
The week-long campaign features a series of community-centered events, from the Power in Purple shopping experience with KHOI and the Orangetheory Fitness fundraiser to our free Pamper & Empower self-care day for 100 survivors and the Tower Over Domestic Violence Rooftop Fundraiser. Each event brings awareness, raises critical funds, and celebrates the strength and resilience of survivors. The purple skyline serves as a beacon of hope — reminding the city that survivors are seen, supported, and never alone.
What is a big misconception that you find again and again people have about Domestic Violence?
A big misconception is that people only identify physical abuse as domestic violence. In reality, domestic violence is about power and control, and it can show up as emotional, verbal, financial, and/or psychological abuse. You don’t need visible bruises to be in an abusive situation. Recognizing those invisible forms of control is crucial to ending the cycle.
What are some of the first steps someone in a domestic violence situation can take to get help?
The first step is reaching out — whether that’s to a trusted friend, a local organization, or a confidential hotline. Creating a safety plan, documenting incidents, and connecting with resources are key. Our organization and many others can help with resources. You don’t have to leave overnight, and you don’t have to do it alone — help is available, and healing is possible.
What is a big misconception that you find again and again people have about Domestic Violence?
A big misconception is that people only identify physical abuse as domestic violence. In reality, domestic violence is about power and control, and it can show up as emotional, verbal, financial, and/or psychological abuse. You don’t need visible bruises to be in an abusive situation. Recognizing those invisible forms of control is crucial to ending the cycle.
What are some of the first steps someone in a domestic violence situation can take to get help?
The first step is reaching out — whether that’s to a trusted friend, a local organization, or a confidential hotline. Creating a safety plan, documenting incidents, and connecting with resources are key. Our organization and many others can help with resources. You don’t have to leave overnight, and you don’t have to do it alone — help is available, and healing is possible.
How do you practice self-care and take care of your mental health?
I prioritize rest. I go to therapy regularly and make sure to spend time in spaces that feel peaceful and grounding. I’ve learned to set boundaries, say no when needed, and allow myself to recover from the emotional weight of the work. Healing is continuous — so I try to model what I encourage survivors to do: give yourself grace and take it one day at a time.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
People are often surprised to learn that I’m a trained Chicago firefighter. That experience taught me how to stay calm in a crisis and face chaos with courage — lessons that shape how I lead my organization and advocate for others today.
Best advice or words of wisdom?
Never let your pain silence your purpose. Every challenge you’ve overcome is part of your assignment — use it to help others rise.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Still I rise.” — Maya Angelou.
It reminds me that no matter what I face, I’ll always find the strength to stand tall and keep moving forward.
What’s next for Loné Williams and Love & Protect Wisdom?
We’re expanding our impact across Chicago and beyond. That includes growing our therapy and safety programs, distributing more Ring cameras, providing more temporary housing support, and expanding our Love Continues Initiative for children who’ve lost parents to domestic violence. We’re also developing even more events and workshops to help survivors and youth process their trauma and learn healthy relationship skills. My long-term dream is to establish a Healing and Empowerment Safe Haven — a permanent space offering therapy, job training, youth mentorship, and transitional housing all under one roof.
My mission is simple: to make sure every survivor knows that their story doesn’t end in pain — it continues in purpose, healing, and hope.
For more information on Loné Williams and Love & Protect Wisdom, please visit www.loveprotectwisdom.com and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @loveprotectwisdom
