This month we would like to spotlight Vona Williams, AG, CG®. Vona is accredited for research in England and Scotland, and has also obtained a Certified Genealogist® credential. She has been serving as the Renewal Chair for ICAPGen for the past five years.
Vona is a graduate of Brigham Young University in genealogy. She has over 40 years experience as professional genealogist, lecturer and writer. Vona has served as a Reference Consultant and manager in the British Reference Unit of the Family History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 40 years.
We thought you might be interested to know more about the roles of our Commissioners and Board members, so we asked Vona to tell us a little bit about her duties as Renewal Chair:
What is your role in ICAPGen, and how long have you been serving?
I serve on the Renewals Committee. It is my responsibility to keep people on track with their renewals. All renewal applications go through me. I review everything they submit then I pass the report and research log on to two AG’s that will review and grade the report according to the criteria set forth in the Rater’s Review form. I then contact the AG to tell them whether or not they passed and if they didn’t pass what they must do to pass. I have been serving for 5 years.
What are some of the responsibilities, opportunities, or challenges in your role?
It is enjoyable to read the reports of the AG’s and to see how they go about solving the problems they have been given. It is hard to tell people they haven’t passed but rewarding when they redo their report and they pass. Because the rules and guidelines changed a few years ago, there have been many AG’s who have had to revise their submission but now it should not be such a big problem because almost every AG has been through the renewal at least once since the changes were made.
What motivated you to pursue accreditation?
I actually pursued accreditation because my job required it. I am glad I did. In fact I accredited in two regions. It helps you to know the areas you are strong in and the areas where you might need a little more study.
What advice do you have for those pursuing accreditation?
I feel there is great benefit to being accredited. You can learn, develop greater skills, and have the support of many who are trying to be the best professional genealogists that they can be.
Vona is a great example of someone who exemplifies the professionalism we all aspire to. Her level of experience and years of service at the Family History Library have been a real asset to ICAPGen, and we thank her!
I was a full time employee at the FHL and it was a requirement, however, I also wanted to do it for professional reasons of respect, additional education and knowledge and for my clients, and I wanted to give my clients the best possible research for their ancestors.
What are some challenging or unique aspects to researching in your area of accreditation?
The biggest challenge is not being physically in England at all and everything is done online, through email, mail, etc. There are archives in England that are not online at all and communication with them is done either by email and/or mail and one has to locate someone to go there or send funds for that organization to conduct research for you. It is getting easier and I’m grateful for all that is available through technology.
What advice do you have for those pursuing accreditation?
Don’t give up, if you fail the first time, try again, you can do it. Take advantage of the mentor program and do all you can to succeed.
What are some of your goals as a genealogist? I’d like to pursue the Forensics more at this time as I feel there is a big need in this area.
What research projects are you involved with now, or have planned for the future?
I’m currently researching in England and Scotland as well as Pennsylvania for one client and for another it is research in Ireland and then in the New York New Jersey area. There are others and they are scattered all over the world.
Do you have a website you would like to have mentioned?
My first accreditation was received in February 8, 2008, it was an amazing day.
Is there anything else you want to let us know about your genealogy experience or activities?
I currently am an online professor for BYU-Idaho and highly recommend any of their Family History classes as well as considering their certificate or Associates Degree courses. Attend conferences and take advantage of educational opportunities as much as possible to stay on top of our field.
ICAPGen℠ 