-
-
Menu
-
In Her Own Words: Clarke Williams '16
Clarke Williams grew up in Baltimore and attended Bryn Mawr from seventh through twelfth grade. After graduation, she attended Howard University, where she is currently a senior studying political science and Spanish. Williams co-founded and serves as the head of communications for NAL-NayLilly, an organization dedicated to highlighting, empowering and connecting marginalized content creators to entertainment companies and helping those companies diversify their roster of employees and create content reflective of their diverse audiences.
My Bryn Mawr education was invaluable. I was placed in a new environment, and Bryn Mawr taught me how to rise to the occasion no matter the obstacles. I was nurtured and enjoyed the magic of a single-sex education. Today, people always ask about my strengths in communication, my reliance on empathy for understanding and my intellectual nature. I had all of that as a young girl, but Bryn Mawr showed me how to use these tools for the betterment of myself and those around me.
My favorite part about college is growing into myself. At Bryn Mawr I was a part of a community so strong it shaped my identity. In college, I’ve learned how to stand on my own. I was forced to learn by myself in order to be myself. It’s a never-ending journey, but I’m so glad I’ve come this far. The most difficult part of college has been balancing everything in life with being a full-time student. Neither college nor life take a pause when you have something serious going on. Of course, this is a fact of life, but it sure is hard. I see in some ways how we have no choice but to become Superwoman. I’m working on doing my best and being okay with that.
At Howard, we get sent lots of exciting professional opportunities in the DC area. My internship experience at the Obama Foundation changed my life. I felt excited to work in a way I never had with school, and it was a very refreshing way to use my skills and strengths. I loved seeing how passionate the staffers and fellow interns were about the work we were doing. It gave me hope for the future of civic engagement. I believe my life’s purpose is to operate in love for the betterment of humanity. I do this by fostering community through my company, making community service part of my daily routine, and treating all people with compassion.
I remember being so anxious about applying for the Obama Foundation position because I felt like I didn’t have what it took for a corporate internship in the tech field, but I took a leap of faith and gave my all to something that wasn’t guaranteed. I also had the opportunity to gain corporate communications experience at LinkedIn as an intern, and it taught me a lot about myself as a young professional. I led a huge project with more resources than I was used to, and San Francisco showed me a new culture and lifestyles that continue to impact me today. I can’t say that I’d be as established as an entrepreneur without that experience, so I’m forever grateful for being in the right place at the right time.
After graduation, I will be pursuing my own business venture! NAL is an online networking platform for creatives of marginalized backgrounds. My team and I are working tirelessly to create a community-based space where creatives can connect cross-functionally and find professional opportunities that challenge and excite them. NAL will be launching in January 2020. I hope that it will change the faces of entertainment and art forever.
There’s a lot of uncertainty in these next five years. In the past, this would’ve been a big stressor for me, but I’m enjoying the opportunity to bet on myself and do something in my own vision. I’m following this path for right now. All things considered, graduate school, the Peace Corps and working in education are hopefully all in my future.
I advise the Bryn Mawr senior class to live in the moment. We spend so much time worrying about the future–college decisions, job opportunities, romance, and more. I now realize how much more precious life appears when you throw those things out and truly focus on the present. When times are not ideal, I think back on my days as a Bryn Mawr girl with such fondness and pride. I’d do anything to be back with my sisters–figuring out life one day at a time.
On that note, I want to send my sincerest wishes of luck and congratulations to my Bryn Mawr sisters. We’re almost done, 2016! I can’t believe we’re graduating from college and I love you all so much!
"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair."
-Shirley Chisholm
