Sonya Williams Honored with Perkins Humanitarian Award

ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital manager recognized for decades of service and community advocacy

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Sonya Williams, Manager of Community Health Improvement–Chaplain & Volunteer Services at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, has been awarded the 2026 Minnie Wood Perkins Humanitarian Award by Chowan University. The award recognizes Williams' lifelong commitment to service, compassion, and community well-being in Hertford County and the surrounding region.

Why it matters

The Minnie Wood Perkins Humanitarian Award honors individuals who embody the values of the late Minnie Wood Perkins, a beloved community leader and midwife. Williams' decades of service through her work at the hospital and in the community make her a fitting recipient of this prestigious award.

The details

In her current role, Williams leads community health initiatives, chaplaincy programs, and volunteer services, demonstrating her dedication to improving the lives of others. A native of Hertford County, Williams has built a career rooted in service, faith, and community advocacy, holding degrees in business administration, management, and biblical studies.

  • Williams was selected as the 2026 recipient of the Minnie Wood Perkins Humanitarian Award.

The players

Sonya Williams

Manager of Community Health Improvement–Chaplain & Volunteer Services at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital and the 2026 recipient of the Minnie Wood Perkins Humanitarian Award.

Minnie Wood Perkins

A beloved Northampton County midwife and community leader whose values of service, compassion, and community well-being are embodied by the humanitarian award that bears her name.

Chowan University

The university that presents the Minnie Wood Perkins Humanitarian Award.

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The takeaway

Sonya Williams' recognition with the Minnie Wood Perkins Humanitarian Award highlights the impact that dedicated community leaders can have, even through their everyday work of improving the lives of others.