Alumni News
In 2021, we interviewed Amarna Williams (MMFS ’14) for our Alumni Spotlight shortly after she graduated from Lehman College with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and a minor in Early Childhood Education. She was working as a paraprofessional at a charter school and thinking about pursuing a master’s degree. You can read her interview here.
We caught up with Amarna again to find that in the ten years since being a member of MMFS’s graduating class, Amarna can boast extensive professional and academic achievements.
In 2022, she entered the Disability Services in Higher Education master’s program at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS), where she twice received the CUNY Student Leadership Award. While pursuing her degree, she participated in the Black Student Union and Student Association, along with Pride Club and Book Club. She also worked part time as a Disability Accommodation Specialist with Baruch College and part time as an LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Assistant with CUNY SPS.
Amarna graduated with a Master of Science in Disability Services in Higher Education in 2024. She then joined the staff of CUNY SPS, first as an assistant, then as an Accessible Communication Specialist, conducting professional development workshops for SPS students and faculty, as well as for CUNY faculty. She has since become a Student Disability Services Specialist.
Amarna says her experience living with a learning disability directly inspired her career. When asked how MMFS prepared her for life after high school, she said, “The school prepared me with time management skills and organizational skills, as well as an affinity for student activities and disability advocacy.” Amarna advises current MMFS students to “learn about various fields and different training programs along with colleges and universities. You will figure out what you want to do along the way.” Amarna names “equality” as the Quaker SPICE that has stuck with her.
The last time we asked Amarna about her future, she said she wanted to pursue a master’s degree. Now that she’s accomplished that goal, she says she would like to own a home and start a business. Based on her success, we certainly believe she can make that happen.
Fun facts about Amarna:
What celebrity do you want to be BFFs with?
Beyoncé and Traci Ellis Ross
What’s your secret talent?
Painting
Describe yourself in three words.
Kind. Funny. Smart.
If you could become a professional at something overnight, what would it be?
Professional ice skater
You can keep up with Amarna by following her on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/amarnawilliams
Share This Post:
