Drenda Williams '97 is Turning Her Story of Survival into Hope for Others Through DJW Wellness Drinks

Drenda Williams ’97 draws on her personal journey to bring healing and hope to others through her company, DJW Wellness Drinks.

Drenda Williams ’97 is turning her story of survival into hope for others through DJW Wellness Drinks.

When Drenda Williams arrived at Lincoln University in 1993, she carried more than the typical freshman's hopes and dreams. The Vandalia, Missouri, native was escaping a domestic violence situation while pursuing her agriculture degree on scholarship. Over the next four years, she would navigate single motherhood, excel academically and discover the resilience that would later fuel her entrepreneurial journey.

Today, Williams is an executive in the agriculture field and the founder of DJW Wellness Drinks, a brand that's breaking new ground by placing domestic violence resources directly on beverage cans while offering consumers a healthy, honey-sweetened alternative to traditional sodas.

Finding Strength at Lincoln 
Williams' path at Lincoln wasn't easy. She became pregnant during her freshman year and balanced single motherhood with a full course load in agriculture, a non-traditional field for many students. Despite these challenges, she graduated cum laude and found time to tutor a blind student in Martin Hall and work on geographic information systems projects for federal agencies. 

"I'm just an example and a testament that you can still go through college and graduate," Williams reflects. "Lincoln being Lincoln, you have that community of people around you, whether it be faculty, staff or even some of the students. It's small enough where people actually care about you." 

The late Dr. Fred Hassien, who grew up in Williams' hometown, became a crucial mentor. As an instructor in the agriculture department, he helped Williams navigate her coursework and develop a passion for the field that continues to shape her career. 

From Victim to Advocate 
Williams' journey as an advocate began years after graduation. Around 2010, she was invited back to campus by Tammy Nobles for a library roundtable discussion with female students. When Williams opened up about her experiences with domestic violence, she saw how deeply her story resonated. 

"I saw how relatable it was, and some of the women opened up about being in situations currently," Williams says. "At that point, I felt like my voice could help others." 

This realization led Williams to write The Will to Live: Finding My Strength Within to Survive, published in 2018. The book chronicles her experience transitioning from victim to survivor, complete with practical steps for others in similar situations. 

A Wellness Drink with a Mission 
The idea for DJW Wellness Drinks came to Williams this past June through a divine moment of inspiration from God. While watching a reality show, she saw someone create their own wine label and wondered if she could create a mocktail. Then the vision crystallized: a wellness beverage that would serve as a vehicle for domestic violence awareness. 

"I've never seen domestic violence awareness resources on a can," Williams explains. "Typically, they ask you at the doctor's office if you're safe, or it's on restroom stalls, but never on a beverage." 

Launched this summer, DJW Wellness Drinks comes in four flavors across two lines. The Drenny Pop line (uncaffeinated) includes Orange Uplift and Strawberry Soul, while the BotaniDren line (caffeinated with 50mg from natural sources) features Wildberry Whisper (blueberry) and Citrus Sunrise. All drinks are sweetened exclusively with natural honey and contain no artificial ingredients. 

Each vibrant can design represents rebirth and freedom, with imagery like hands releasing a bee or making peace signs. The labels include the National Domestic Violence Hotline number and information about healthy relationships for young people. 

For October — Domestic Violence Awareness Month — Williams released a limited-edition Purple Ribbon flavor honoring two survivors: her middle daughter Nia, and a friend who was murdered by his girlfriend's ex-husband last Christmas.

Growing Impact 
Just two months after launch, the response has exceeded Williams' expectations. Hometown Distillery in Kansas City features the drinks on its menu, serving approximately 600 people nightly. Avila University has partnered with Williams to serve the beverages at student wellness events. Natural Grocers is currently reviewing samples, and wholesalers from Illinois to Florida have reached out. 

Ten percent of proceeds support domestic violence shelters, beginning with Rose Brooks Center in Kansas City, a 75-bed facility that's consistently at capacity. 

"The goal is to increase the resources needed to run shelters and hopefully help increase capacity," Williams says. "And it's also a talking point. You can easily give someone the can and say, 'Make sure you read the label.' It's a subtle message that might help." 

Lessons in Leadership and Resilience 
Williams' entrepreneurial journey began in 2019 with natural lip gloss for women and beard care products for men, all made with her agriculture and chemistry background. Each product included domestic violence awareness materials in its packaging, planting seeds for the more ambitious beverage venture to come. 

Her advice to fellow alumni considering purpose-driven businesses? "Don't get discouraged. If your entrepreneurship and business align with your purpose, it just makes everything flow so much easier. You might have to tweak things or get mentorship, but stay with your dream." 

She emphasizes the importance of personal and professional growth: "I'm always willing to learn. I don't think I know everything. You can be a resilient leader because you're always willing to grow." 

A Testament to Lincoln's Impact 
Looking back, Williams sees her Lincoln experience as foundational to everything she's accomplished. The small-town girl from Vandalia (population 2,500) learned life lessons that extended far beyond the classroom. 

"I left home, went to Lincoln, was thrown to the wolves, learned a lot of stuff, and I carry those skills with me," she says. "Lincoln is where I learned that nothing's too big for me to accomplish." 

That confidence is evident in her approach to the beverage industry, a field she knew nothing about before this year. "I didn't know anything about drinks, but I'm learning," she says. 

Williams' daughter is now a freshman at Lincoln, drawn by her mother's stories of the university's supportive community. It's a fitting continuation of a legacy built on resilience, purpose, and the unwavering belief that no challenge is insurmountable. 

"'Can't' is not in my vocabulary," Williams says. "I can do whatever I put my mind to, my resources, my thought, and my energy into. This is just a culmination of that." 

DJW Wellness Drinks can be purchased online and at select Kansas City locations. For more information, visit the DJW Drinks website. If you or someone you know needs support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233.