Kim Williams
Kim is the product of a small community and a working class family. As a young woman, she worked multiple jobs while earning her degree. She then went on to graduate school and began her career as a tenured faculty member. She taught U.S. history to thousands of diverse, international students, many of whom were the first in their families to go to college. Like her, they worked several part-time jobs to support themselves, pay tuition, and pursue their American dream. Kim spent many long hours helping students work through challenges — including one unforgettable grandmother who cleaned homes and offices until 2:00 a.m., and still succeeded. She is a proud single working mother to her daughter, Cassi, who is Ethiopian by birth. Cassi came of age as the daughter of a diplomat and represented America, by her mom’s side, since she was two. Cassi is also the first person in her family to run for office, winning her race for Treasurer in third grade.