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Nantasha Williams

Source: VinnyHBz / VinnyHBz

At 28-years-old, Nantasha Williams is poised to become a political powerhouse. With her sights set on making a change in her community, Williams is officially running for elected office in the 33rd Assembly district, which includes Queens Village, Cambria Heights, Parts of St. Albans, Hollis and the Bellerose area. 

Get the scoop on this Black beauty who’s leading the next generation of political voices:

HelloBeautiful: When did you first decide you wanted to get into politics and what was the next step you made to make your dream happen? 

Nantasha Williams: I didn’t always want to go into politics. I had a passion for the non-profit sector as a means of creating effective positive change, I found myself in politics by happenstance. When I decided to go to grad school to get my Masters in Public Administration, I was vigorously looking for a job to supplement my grad school education and landed one with the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, commonly known as “The Caucus” which is comprised of a body of New York State assembly members and senators. My work during that time provided me with an opportunity to really dive head-first into government & politics, this opportunity also opened my eyes to the many challenges our systems face. That was the moment I wanted to go into politics, and the rest of my political story is being written right now as I campaign to be the next Assemblywoman for the 33rd district.

HB: What did it mean to you to be honored on “Albany’s Rising Stars Top 40 Under 40” list?

Nantasha: I was ecstatic and also humbled when I was honored as “Albany’s Rising Stars Top 40 Under 40.” I was being recognized for my work in politics particularly in fighting a progressive agenda, and challenging status quo. Often times I keep me head down and consumed with work to be recognized for something that I love doing was truly an honor

HB: What has been your biggest obstacle as a Black women trying to get elected?

Nantasha: Interestingly enough I don’t feel any particular obstacles being a Black woman per say in getting elected. My predecessor was a black woman who held the seat for nearly three decades. Instead my age has posed a challenge for a few because of their perception in trying to align age with “qualified experience.” My age does not define my political experience and background in the political realm. I have seen the inner-workings of our government system, and I know what needs to be done to see effective change. I always reference Martin Luther King, and the fact that we trusted him to lead the Montgomery bus boycott and he was only 26.

HB: What is the biggest change you want to make? What’s you plan to get it done?

Nantasha: Increase public participation and civic engagement. It’s important that we take transformative action to better our community. To make things happen it is going to take all of the citizens of 33rd District to work together to see this community thrive and progress.

HB: What does #BlackGirlMagic mean to you?

Nantasha: #BlackGirlMagic means empowerment for all woman of color and that bit of spice and drive we have that fuels our passion. When I think of #BlackGirlMagic, I think of how we still manage to succeed and slay better than the rest despite the many obstacles we face and systematic oppression being both a woman and black. Our ability to flourish in such unjust society is unbelievable, and hard to fathom… its magic. Hence, #BlackGirlMagic. 

Residents of the 33rd Assembly District can vote for Nantasha Williams Tuesday, September 13 at their local voting center.

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How Nantasha Williams Is Spreading Her #BlackGirlMagic In Politics  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com