We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashanta Williamson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashanta, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want people to remember me by these core values: Faith, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Thirst for Knowledge. I want to be remembered for how I made people feel, their encounters with me. How I am a lover of community and being a resource to my people because I am determined to ensure we all are provided with the tools that make us successful. I want to leave a life of fulfillment for my children and family, I want to be the one who stopped the generational curses and created generational wealth. Most of all I want people to remember me by my love, the unconditional love given from God that exuded out of me, that allowed me to patient and kind to everyone.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am one who seeks to be a resource, a connector. I am a Philanthropic Non-Profit Executive, who sees the needs of where my community lacks and I work to get what is needed to created economic equality and change to create a gracious space of growth for underrepresented communities. I got to where I am today professionally by the mustard seed of faith and risk. Is fully trusting God without seeing the path clear ever easy? No. But it is what makes my faith strong, my testimony greater and my journey beautiful. The lesson I carry with me every day, When God is in it, there are no limits. I want the world to pay attention, remember the name, remember the face because I am creating a movement that will not just last for a moment but for eternity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If hanging out in the city of Miami, I would spend time at the Urban MIA created by a fellow native and Bethune-Cookman University Alumn Keon Williams. Get My Praise on at Greater Bethel Miami AME Church to visit Pastor Willie Barnes and Lady FranShon Reid Barnes. Stop through West Palm Beach for some amazing Jamaican cuisine (Shout out to my Mommy 🙂 ) Slide through Daytona Beach for the infamous Bethune Grill and MusikalChef Catering. Hit it to City I currently reside with thee BEST NFL TEAM EVER #GOJAGS! A tour of The Historic Ritz Museum and Cummer Museum and end it with worship at Open Arms Community Church, where Bishop Leofric and Lady Sandy Thomas welcome everyone with “OPEN ARMS’

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Every time I am asked this question, I hesitate because I never want to miss anyone. There are so many amazing women and men who have helped cultivate me into the woman I today. First, I am a product of all the amazing women within my lineage. My Great Grandmother, Grandmother, Mother, Aunts, and Cousins. I am proud to be a product of my City, West Palm Beach, Florida, and the village created behind my upbringing. I am a product of my foundation Florida A&M University where I started my collegiate matriculation but a PROUD Graduate of The Great Bethune-Cookman University where my pride, confidence, and tenacity were all instilled within me. I am a product of Black Boss Women and Men who found it not robbery to invest in me and my personal and professional growth. My village of Prayer Warriors that I call my circle. Those who see me now before God shows the world who He has called me to be. Those are who I give credit to.

Website: https://www.ashantawilliamson.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msblacksunshinestate

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashanta-williamson-aa048373/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aawilliamson_?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhenomenalWoman.Ashanta

Other: www.thembiapageant.com

Image Credits
Photos: Bracy Photos Stylist: Ursula James, Couture Public Relations & Image Consulting Makeup: Cameron Hopper Pageant System: Miss Black International Ambassador: www.thembiapageant.com

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