Meet Ayanna Williams

Ayanna grew up 60 miles west of Williamsburg, the oldest of Gene and Onika Williams' 3 children, in Chester, VA. From an early age Ayanna visited Williamsburg regularly and was captivated by this incredible city. To truly appreciate how she plans to  engage and contribute to the interests of the city's residents, it is important to understand who she is: 

Ayanna's early years can be characterized by the ideals that education is transformative, intergenerational connectivity is essential to growing strong communities, and a life of service breeds a sense of accountability that mutually benefits the server and the one being served.  The daughter of Children's Pastors, she grew up with the notion that "neighborhood still exists."  From filling coolers of ice for her dad's little league team to helping her mother plan activities for her sister's scout troop, through 1000 small interactions, Ayanna was equipped with a broader community experience that strengthened her capacity to engage others with creativity, leadership, and mutually rewarding solutions to shared obstacles. 

Transformative educational ideals are nothing new to Ayanna. She comes from a family of educators to engineers, shipyard workers to firefighters, all of whom hold the view that through education, all people can possess great intellectual aptitude, innovative ideas, and creative imaginations. Understanding the rich capacity that a transformative education can bring, Ayanna received a liberal arts education, full of the knowledge and wisdom of great scholars, philosophers, and leaders of society in tandem with the legacy and knowledge systems passed down from her family and community.  Ayanna grew up passionately believing that all children can be well-equipped to process ideas and possess an appetite and curiosity for knowledge.  Building on her foundation, she was thrilled to be accepted into William & Mary, where she continues to love and appreciate the university's academic network and Williamsburg's vibrant community.  

Places can tell a story, not just with their geography but with the people and connections that make up a community.  Ayanna believes that intergenerational connectivity is fundamental to every sustainable locality.  Ayanna has always held relationships with diverse members of her city and she continues to live this out as she embraces life at William & Mary.  Ayanna serves as an Undersecretary of Finance where she is charged to work with all levels of the university to manage the budget of the Student Assembly and provide support to student organizations and initiatives. Ayanna also serves as the Vice President of Finance of William & Mary Consulting Club, a consultancy that serves to educate students on consulting and management. On a personal level, Ayanna is not shy about striking up a conversation with just about anyone she meets as she makes it her ambition to value the stories of those who make up Williamsburg today and listen to their hopes for a brighter future ahead for all residents.  

Ayanna has wholeheartedly embraced a life of service.  Because of her family's involvement in the community, she quickly understood the responsibilities we all have to serve and the importance of mutual respect and accountability.  Her life in Williamsburg continues to be characterized by an ongoing reach to engage others through serving. Through her involvement, she is dedicated to hearing other's concerns, listening to them, and working with people to find creative solutions to their challenges.  

Finally, Ayanna is proud to call Williamsburg her home. In her extra time, you will see Ayanna enjoying a walk through Merchants Square, exercising in the gym, or catching up on solving one of her favorite logic puzzles.  She enjoys a great cup of coffee and sometimes will indulge in a variety of teas, is more of a cookie dough kind of person than a mint chocolate chip, and enjoys listening to music and having fun with her closest friends. When she is with her family she loves catching up on her piano practice and debating issues or current events with her siblings. 

This year, Ayanna is running for City Council because she is ready to give back to Williamsburg, a city that has already given her so much.