“Growing up I knew I wanted to help people, but I didn’t want to do nursing because I have a weak stomach. Everyone would come to me for advice and ask for assistance helping locate resources. Additionally, my cousin’s situation gave me the extra push to advocate for adolescents. I enjoy helping people get on the right track and stay there. It warms my heart to see someone I’ve assisted doing great things in life. I see the good in people and believe everyone can be whoever they aspire to be.”
Those are the words of Tiesha Williams, or Nikki as she’s known to family and friends describing while she decided to pursue a career in social work.
Williams, a native of Pittsview, Al is a 21-year-old graduating senior from Troy State University who already holds an Associate Degree from Chattahoochee Valley Community College. She’s set to receive her Bachelors this year.
When not in class or working as a substitute teacher she’s either spending time with family, which includes her 7-year-old daughter Tanaya or facilitating events for her non-profit organization Young Women with a Purpose.
Young Women with a Purpose was founded at Russell County High School in 2009 by Williams. It’s an organization to help increase self awareness, self worth, and self esteem among young women in the community. It assists them in becoming successful women. The organization also empowers young women to become productive citizens.
Williams said the organization was inspired by one of her mentors, Angelia Miles Walton, founder of Teens Empowerment Awareness with ResolutionS Inc (TEARS).
“I started it to give females who don’t have a support system or an understanding parent an avenue to express themselves and obtain information about life situations before they become a part of another statistic,” Williams said. Those statistics include high school dropouts, teen mom, or a sexually transmitted disease. “Its sole purpose is to inform our young women that no matter what obstacles they face in life, they can still be successful,” she said.
In December the organization facilitated Joy Behind Bars, which sponsored two children for Christmas whose mother was incarcerated. Just recently the organization participated in a benefit program for a young lady in the community.
Five years from now Williams said she’ll have a Masters in Social Work/Criminology from Florida State University.
She also plans to obtain a doctorate in counseling and continue to help others, have a full-time job in her field and operate a prosperous organization.
“At the age of 14 I was blessed with a baby girl. I was talked about, ridiculed and told I wouldn’t make anything out of myself. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy only 38 percent of girls who have a baby before they turn 18 have high school diplomas. Interesting, on May 22, 2009 I was a part of that 38 percent who walked across the stage at Russell County High School in the top 10 percent of my class and received my high school diploma. I continued my education and maintained a full-time job while caring for my baby girl. I am not encouraging our young ladies to become teen mothers; however, I am encouraging them to achieve their goals. Achieving your goals is not always easy, but hard work and determination is the key.

Tiesha’s hobbies include reading, dancing, family fun, social networking, photography, advocate for at risk youth, mentoring, tutoring and watching movies. She is motivated by making a positive impact on someone’s life. Her role model is her mother Tracey Williams.