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Nathaniel Williams | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 2nd President of WYAC | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Mariam S |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 25, 2005 Cheyenne Wyoming, U.S. |
| Political party | Democrat |
Nathaniel Williams (born May 25, 2005) is an American citizen who is deeply committed to creating a brighter future for today’s youth. He currently serves as the President of the Wyoming Youth Advisory Council (WYAC) and is a national spokesperson for AdoptUSKids.org, alongside his father, Larry Williams. Nathaniel was appointed by Governor Mark Gordon to the State Advisory Council on Juvenile Justice (SACJJ), where he works to improve the foster care and juvenile justice systems in Wyoming. He is also an advisory board member for Shiloh House in Littleton, Colorado.
Nathaniel’s dedication and hard work have been widely recognized. In 2024, he was honored as a Foster Club Outstanding Young Leader, a prestigious award celebrating his impactful contributions. With his aspirations set high, Nathaniel dreams of becoming the first openly gay governor of Wyoming and eventually the President of the United States, striving to lead with inclusivity, passion, and determination.
Nathaniel’s dedication and hard work have been widely recognized. In 2024, he was honored as a Foster Club Outstanding Young Leader, a prestigious award celebrating his impactful contributions. With his aspirations set high, Nathaniel dreams of becoming the first openly gay governor of Wyoming and eventually the President of the United States, striving to lead with inclusivity, passion, and determination.
Early life and education
editNathaniel Williams was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and faced significant challenges early in life. On September 13, 2013, at just eight years old, Nathaniel—then known as Joseph Brandon Bennett—entered the custody of the Department of Family Services (DFS) after his father was arrested and his mother was deemed unstable. Over the next few years, he was placed in 24 foster homes before being transferred in 2014 to a treatment center in Savannah, Georgia. After 11 months there, he was moved in 2015 to Shiloh House, a treatment center in Colorado, where he stayed until 2017.
On September 7, 2017, just one day shy of his anniversary at Shiloh House, Nathaniel found his forever family. Larry Williams, whom Nathaniel fondly jokes resembles Kevin Costner, welcomed him into his life and loved him from day one. Nathaniel is now a proud brother to seven adopted siblings, two biological siblings, and three stepsiblings.
In May 2023, Nathaniel graduated from Cheyenne East High School. Immediately after graduation, he began his advocacy journey, dedicating himself to improving the lives of foster youth and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Career
editCASA of Laramie County
editNathaniel Williams graduated from East High School with a strong passion for making a difference in his community. Shortly after graduation, he applied to be the Outreach Coordinator for CASA of Laramie County, a Court Appointed Special Advocate organization dedicated to supporting children in the foster care system. Nathaniel began working with CASA in December 2023, bringing energy and commitment to his role. He served until June 2024, when he resigned to pursue new opportunities that aligned with his goals for creating broader change in the lives of youth and families.
President of WYAC Wyoming Youth Advisory Council
editNathaniel Williams has been an integral part of the Wyoming Youth Advisory Council (WYAC) for several years, beginning his journey as an ambassador to the council. On December 1, 2024, he was honored to be elected as the President-Elect of WYAC, and just a month later, on January 1, 2025, Nathaniel officially assumed the role of President. Under his dedicated leadership and alongside his committed cabinet and administration, WYAC has achieved a remarkable transformation, significantly strengthening its impact and outreach. Nathaniel works tirelessly every day to make a difference, inspiring change and progress for foster youth across Wyoming. His passion and dedication have made a lasting impact, proving that his leadership is both effective and inspiring.
Advisor on the Shiloh House Advisory Council
editNathaniel Williams serves as an advisor on the Shiloh House Treatment Center's board in Littleton, Colorado, bringing a unique perspective as a former youth in the program. Having once been a part of Shiloh House's supportive community, Nathaniel understands firsthand the challenges faced by the youth it serves. His personal journey from participant to advocate fuels his dedication to ensuring that children and families receive the resources and care they need to thrive. Nathaniel's involvement reflects his deep commitment to giving back and shaping a brighter future for others.
National Adouptuskids.org Spokesperson
editNathaniel Williams and his dad, Larry Williams, are proud National spokespersons for AdoptUSKids.org As part of their advocacy, they traveled to Washington, D.C., in June 2024 for media training to enhance their skills in spreading awareness about adoption. In July, they headed to New York to participate in the production of a PSA, further amplifying their message. Most recently, in November 2024, they returned to Washington, D.C., for the National Adoption Month Celebration, hosted by the Department of Health and Human Services. These experiences highlight their unwavering dedication to promoting adoption and supporting families across the nation.
References
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