HerStoryMag: How has your personal journey shaped the woman you are today?
Diva: My personal journey has shaped me into a woman who values resilience, empathy, authenticity and freedom. My journey has illuminated the complexities and impact of discrimination, patriarchy, racism, and sexism, and etc. equipping me to approach life's challenges and successes with greater confidence and preparedness.
Each experience—whether a struggle or success—has strengthened my faith, propelled me to embark on a journey of self- love, taught me to embrace me, trust my inner voice, and stand firm in my purpose. Through it all, I've become more prepared to face life with hope/faith, courage and compassion.
HerStoryMag: What experiences have been pivotal in shaping your outlook on life as a Black woman?
Diva Williams: Being a single mother, pursuing my education, and navigating my professional experiences have each been transformative, deepening my understanding of resilience and purpose.
HerStoryMag: In what ways do you find balance between your personal, professional, and spiritual life?
Diva Williams: Though I am still working on it, I find balance by intentionally showing up as my authentic self and embracing that my personal, professional, and spiritual lives are all integral parts of who I am. I weave these aspects together, ensuring that each supports and strengthens the others. Ongoing reflection helps me stay grounded and make adjustments as needed.
HerStoryMag: How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved over time?
Diva Williams: Success for me is the fulfillment of personal goals, such as becoming kinder, more empathetic, embodying the characteristics of my faith, specifically the life of Jesus and achieving milestones. My definition continues to evolve beyond society’s material focus to prioritize personal growth and meaningful connections.
HerStoryMag: What does living an authentic life mean to you, and how do you practice it daily?
Diva Williams: Living authentically means being true to myself, defining my path and letting my own values guide me, which is continuously evolving. I practice this daily through intentional actions and mindfulness, and trying to stay grounded in who I am so that I won’t lose ME in pursuit of and interactions with people, places or things.
HerStoryMag: Can you share a moment when you had to step out of your comfort zone and act courageously?
Diva Williams: When I was invited to coordinate the social work undergraduate program at USM, I didn’t feel prepared. I’d always preferred to work behind the scenes and saw myself as a supporter rather than a leader. But despite my reservations, I accepted, recognizing it as an opportunity to grow and step into new responsibilities.
HerStoryMag: How do you stay brave in the face of uncertainty or fear?
Diva Williams: I’m not always brave—it takes more than courage to face fear. My relationship with God, my ancestors, my family and my village provide the strength I need, reminding me to keep moving forward, even when I’m uncertain.
HerStoryMag: What role has self-belief played in helping you overcome obstacles?
Diva Williams: I’m still growing in this area. I didn’t always believe in myself, but I’ve come to understand that God, or the divine, is within me—not just external. This realization has helped me recognize the unique gifts and purpose I carry, and I am learning to lean into them.
HerStoryMag: What advice would you give to young Black women who feel hesitant to take risks or pursue their dreams?
Diva Williams: I would normalize the feelings of hesitancy. I’d encourage them to explore the root of their hesitation and seek support, such as therapy, if needed. I would engage them in a discussion about their thoughts about their unique gifts/purpose and perhaps include the topic: ‘fear of failure’, emphasizing fear of failure is natural, but failure is part of the path to success.
HerStoryMag: How do you draw strength from your cultural heritage to fuel your courage?
Diva Williams: I find strength by reflecting on the legacy and resilience of my ancestors, as well as the deep spirituality they passed down, which keeps me grounded and fuels my courage.
HerStoryMag: Where do you find the strength to continue when life gets overwhelming?
Diva Williams: I’m learning to allow myself to grieve and be okay with not always feeling or being strong. Ultimately, I find strength in my faith, family, village and my sense of purpose. During overwhelming times, grounding myself in these sources of support reminds me of what truly matters and helps me move forward.
HerStoryMag: How has your understanding of inner strength evolved throughout your life?
Diva Williams: I’ve come to understand that inner strength isn’t just about pushing through tough times; it’s also about knowing when to seek support, be vulnerable, and take time to heal. Strength is an evolving journey that requires both resilience and self-compassion.
HerStoryMag: How do you nurture and protect your mental, emotional, and physical strength?
Diva Williams: I make time for self-care practices, like prayer, meditation, exercise, and connecting with loved ones. I also prioritize setting boundaries and being mindful of who I allow in my personal and mental space, which allows me to protect my energy and remain balanced.
HerStoryMag: What lessons about resilience and strength have you learned from the women in your life?
Diva Williams: My mom was the epitome of resilience and strength, which provided for me the ultimate example. Sher and other women in my life have taught me the power of persistence and grace. Their stories of overcoming hardships and finding joy in the face of adversity have shown me that resilience is often about adapting with courage and optimism.
HerStoryMag: How do you celebrate your victories, both big and small, as a testament to your strength?
Diva Williams: I celebrate my victories, big and small, by maintaining an attitude of gratitude and taking the time to acknowledge each milestone. I reflect on how far I’ve come, recognizing each accomplishment as a testament to growth and resilience, and I’m learning to truly appreciate these moments. Through it all, I remember that it is because of God’s grace and mercy that I have the strength to keep moving forward.
HerStoryMag: What role has adversity played in shaping your character and worldview?
Diva Williams: Adversity has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of perseverance. It has deepened my understanding of the challenges others might face and strengthened my commitment to making a positive impact within my sphere of influence. Each challenge has shaped my character, reminding me of the power of compassion and that adversity is an inevitable part of life. I’ve learned that while I can’t always control what happens, I can choose how I respond, allowing each experience to strengthen and guide me.
HerStoryMag: What advice would you give to other Black women about navigating difficult situations and emerging stronger?
Diva Williams: I would admonish them to remember we are human, we have a right to breathe, to be human, to advocate for ourselves, to take care of ourselves, to express emotions, etc. We can define our own navigation experiences, and decide what we prioritize as outcomes. And strength doesn’t always have to be an outcome. I would say, seek support when needed, hold onto your faith, and believe in the power of your voice and purpose.
HerStoryMag: How do you ensure that adversity doesn't define you but instead refines you?
Diva Williams: I view each challenge as an opportunity for growth, allowing myself to learn and adapt rather than letting adversity dictate who I am. By focusing on what I can control and finding meaning in my experiences, I let adversity refine, not define, me.
HerStoryMag: How has your family influenced the woman you are today?
Diva Williams: My parents instilled in me the values of service and a deep relationship with God. My siblings taught me compassion, unwavering support, and love. Through my children and grandchildren, I've learned to be less self-centered, more open-minded, and to express emotions freely. Together, my family has have shown me resilience, compassion, and the strength of true identity. They taught (are teaching) me how to persevere through hardships, and they’ve deepened my understanding of love, unity, empathy, resilience, compassion, and faith.
HerStory: How do you navigate the pressures of balancing career, personal goals, and family responsibilities?
Diva Williams: This is an ongoing area of growth. However, being retired helps me to find more of a balance. Balancing these areas requires intentionality. I try to set clear boundaries, prioritize, and remind myself that each area supports the others. I also lean on my faith and family for guidance, which helps me stay grounded.
HerStoryMag: What role has family played in supporting you through difficult times?
Diva Williams: My family has been a constant source of strength and encouragement. In challenging times, they offer unwavering support, reminding me of my resilience and providing a safe space where I can find comfort and renewal.
HerStoryMag: How do you instill a sense of pride in your cultural identity within your family?
Diva Williams: My children are much more knowledgeable in this area than I am and they encourage and ensure that as a family, we engage in open discussions about our heritage and history, and share stories about our ancestors. This instills pride in where we come from and helps us always remember and carry forward the legacy of those before us.
HerStoryMag: Can you share a lesson from your ancestors or elders that continues to guide you in family life?
Diva Williams: One lesson that resonates is ‘a family that prays together stays together.’ This wisdom reminds me of the importance of unity, shared faith, and supporting one another through life’s ups and downs. It keeps us connected, grounded, and resilient as a family.
HerStoryMag: What’s the most important legacy you hope to leave for your children or future generations?
Diva Williams: I hope to leave a legacy of faith, service, importance of having a growth mindset, resilience, integrity, and compassion. I want them to understand the importance of family, community, and purpose, and to live with the courage to pursue their dreams and uplift others.
HerStoryMag: How do you keep the bond with your family strong despite the demands of modern life?
Diva Williams: First and foremost, I am grateful for the strong bond our family shares. I’ve certainly made my share of mistakes and poor choices as a parent, but I’ve learned to make it a priority to apologize and openly discuss the impact of those choices. As a family, we regularly talk about the potential challenges that could weaken our connection and discuss ways to prevent that from happening. Together, we are committed to staying close, growing, and supporting one another.
I’m intentional about nurturing our relationships by staying open-minded, actively listening, and making time for regular check-ins. For example, in addition to calling throughout the week, I make it a point to call each of my children and grandchildren every Saturday starting at 11 a.m. We also take annual family trips and prioritize family traditions, which helps us remain close and connected despite our busy lives. Additionally, we established the Williams Family Foundation, which keeps us engaged and communicating regularly. These consistent efforts, big and small, strengthen our family bonds.
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