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Ayanna T. Williams, an undergraduate attending William and Mary Law School, is making history in Virginia.
After securing a victory following the Nov. 5 election, Williams earned enough votes to become the first currently enrolled undergraduate student to serve as a member of Williamsburg City Council, according to W&M News. She is also the first Black woman to be elected to the council in the city’s history.
“This means so much to me because I’ve been visiting Williamsburg since I was little and I love it here,” Williams said. “To be able to give back to the community means I’m not just visiting.”
A passion for community.
According to her website, Ayanna was raised 60 miles west of Williamsburg, in Chester, VA, where she was the eldest of three children born to Gene and Onika Williams. From a young age, she frequently visited Williamsburg and became deeply captivated by the city’s charm. Ayanna’s early life was shaped by core values: the belief that education is transformative, the importance of intergenerational connections in building strong communities, and the idea that a life dedicated to service fosters a sense of accountability that benefits both the giver and the recipient.
“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,” her website states.
Ayanna’s extensive experience in community care will be a key asset as she steps into her new role on the city council, taking over the seat formerly held by Caleb Rogers, who chose not to seek re-election after serving four years. The other council positions were secured by incumbents Pat Dent and Barb Ramsey. Rogers, who endorsed Ayanna to succeed him, was a major source of encouragement throughout her campaign.
In an interview with WHRO, Ayanna shared that she was deeply inspired by Caleb’s dedication to uplifting Williamsburg, which motivated her throughout her journey to the council.
“Caleb continues to inspire me every single day,” Ayanna said. “Just his commitment the past four years, and even before his term, serving the city and keeping the concerns of residents first.”
Here’s what she hopes to do while working in the council.
During her tenure on the Williamsburg City Council, Ayanna aims to focus on initiatives that prioritize safety, strengthen K-12 programs for the city’s children, and address environmental issues that may be affecting local residents, according to her website.
Ayanna doesn’t come from a family of politicians. Her parents, Gene and Onika Williams, were children’s pastors—her mother holding a degree in chemical engineering. While not from a political background, they instilled in her invaluable skills like critical thinking and unwavering determination.
“I think that’s where my love for government and community service comes from,” the political star told W&M News. “There was an emphasis on learning how to think critically using founding documents. What does the Constitution say?” she added.
Congrats to Ayanna!
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