SAC Speaks: Autumn Rose Williams

Autumn Rose Miskweminanocauq (Raspberry Star Woman) Williams is a motivational speaker and educator.

Williams was born and raised on the Shinnecock Reservation in Southampton, New York. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science in mass communications and a minor in business. Being immersed in her culture from birth​ has given her pride in her Black and Indigenous heritage, which is the foundation for the work she does today.

When Williams was crowned Miss Teen Shinnecock at age 16, it allowed her the opportunity to travel across the United States and learn about the indigenous experience outside of her Shinnecock community. After college, she was crowned Miss Native American USA 2017-2018 and began yet another journey to learn more about her people. Being Miss Teen Shinnecock, attending college and being Miss Native American USA were important growing periods of her life that allowed her to learn about the world and people around her as well as look within. After completing her reign as Miss Native American USA, Williams was signed to STATE Management as a plus-size model. Plus-size modeling is a way Autumn Rose faces her body image issues head-on and continues her message of self-love and empowerment.

​Williams used her skillset in her communication career to advocate for accurate representation and inclusivity of Indigenous communities. Williams worked for her tribe, the Shinnecock Nation, as a communication manager to ensure her community was aware of tribal politics, events and news. She has worked with the Administration for Native Americans to support Indigenous language preservation and revitalization within the lower 48 states, Alaska and across the Pacific Region, including Hawaii, American Sāmoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Williams has worked with ICF Next as a multicultural communications specialist, where she supported the organization in understanding Indigenous communities and building healthy relationships. 

With 14 years of public speaking, and six years of public relations, Williams continues to educate and bring awareness to the topics that are dear to her, such as Afro-Indigenous culture, social justice awareness, body positivity and mental health.