T3 Partnership seeks new leader for student-focused nonprofit

A nonprofit aimed at helping students succeed after high school is now looking for a new leader.

Natalie Young Williams is no longer the president and CEO of the Fort Worth-based Tarrant To & Through Partnership effective Nov. 21, T3 spokesperson Brooke Reynolds said.

Williams, who led the nonprofit for four years, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

David Saenz, a former Fort Worth ISD chief, will serve as interim CEO as the T3 Partnership’s board searches for a permanent leader.

“Our organization is thankful for Natalie’s four years of service during a transformational period for the Tarrant To & Through Partnership,” Saenz said in a statement. “T3’s core mission of ensuring our students take advantage of college and career pathways to thrive in our community remains unchanged, and our organization’s momentum is strong.”

T3 hired Williams in November 2021 to lead the Fort Worth-based organization that supports students through college and career advising, scholarships and mentorships. The partnership’s goal is to help more students earn a degree or credential and enter the workforce. T3 works with students in the Fort Worth, Crowley, Castleberry and Arlington school districts.

Williams came to the organization with more than 15 years of experience with K-12 schools, turning around more than 30 failing campuses across the nation and a history of helping college students succeed. 

“She brought a very interesting mix of being in the classroom on the administration side and then her legal and analytics training just completed the package,” Sarah Tempel, chair of T3’s board of directors, previously told the Fort Worth Report.

In April, T3 celebrated Williams’ selection as one of the 2025 Great Women of Texas by the Fort Worth Business Press.

Williams led T3 through its expansion into schools beyond Fort Worth ISD; the roll out of a platform connecting students with careers; and expanded academic support services as well as scholarship programs.

Before her election as mayor, Mattie Parker founded the nonprofit in the early days of the pandemic in 2020.

In August 2024, T3 hired Saenz as its senior education adviser, working with all school districts serving the city of Fort Worth to ensure their students are set up for post-high school success.

A search for a permanent leader is expected to begin in the spring, Reynolds said.

Jacob Sanchez is education editor for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at jacob.sanchez@fortworthreport.org or @_jacob_sanchez. 

At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.

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