About me
Austen Williams has been working in community engagement with nonprofits and community-based organizations for over 20 years. In 2014, her commitment to service led her to compete and earn the title of Mrs. America, becoming the first black woman to win the coveted title. Austen traveled across the US and abroad, speaking on her platform, Shake the Shackles: Human Trafficking Awareness, engaging communities on ways to end modern-day slavery, working with countless anti-human trafficking organizations, and raising over $1.4M for these organizations. As a result of her work in the area, Austen became a recipient of the prestigious Phoenix Award, the highest honor given by the City of Atlanta, and was named Humanitarian of the Year 2014 by Viva Internationale Magazine.Since her time as a titleholder, Austen has continued to expand her reach and impact, including community engagement in public health, with work on health disparities, breast cancer awareness, maternal health, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Additionally, she is an ordained minister and a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (QAIDI). Austen’s experience in the nonprofit sector includes serving on the Boards of Project Nightlight, an abuse-prevention organization, The Jubilee Market, an anti-human trafficking organization, Teacher's Supply Closet, and The Culture Catalyst, a community engagement training organization. Austen is a sought-after Inspirational Speaker, having shared messages with over 625,000 people. She has been invited to speak in over 25 states, China, South Africa, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Kenya, including invitations to speak at the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference and the United Nations Women's Summit.In her current season, Austen is the Executive Director of The Medi Inc., a health equity organization. When she is not serving at The Medi, she is a Business and Communications Consultant with Crowning Glory Coaching and Consulting, specializing in communication, branding and marketing, business strategy, and executing special projects. Her clients include nonprofits operating in public health, education, and faith sectors. She is also the Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Culture Catalyst, a community engagement consulting firm that partners with businesses to build best practices to serve the communities where they operate.Austen received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of West Georgia. Austen continues her academic journey toward a PhD in Leadership and Change at Antioch University. Dr. Williams is loading until July 2028.
