Autumn Rose Williams

Autumn Rose *Miskweminanocsqua (Raspberry Star Woman)* 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 the age of 16, it allowed her the opportunity to travel across the United States and learn about the indigenous experience outside of her Shinnecock community. Following 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 has a background in Public Relations and has worked in the nonprofit sector, tribal government, federal government, and corporate PR. Some of the organizations she has worked for include the Shinnecock Tribal Government, the Administration for Native Americans, Peconic Land Trust, and ICF Next. In her many different roles, she has had the opportunity to work for and advocate for a range of different indigenous communities including the lower 48, Alaska, and across the Pacific Region, including Hawaii, American Sāmoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. With 15 years of public speaking experience, and 7 in Public Relations she 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.