Mary Williams is a Seattle Native, a Mother, a Substance Use Disorders Prevention Specialist, a Peer Counselor, a Certified Recovery Coach, a person in long term recovery and an Organizer. She has recently launched the NW Black Women’s Consortium, a partnership of professional women of color who perform acts of service, connect and support each other. Her passion is sharing with women of color about the intersections of race/gender/poverty and the stress and barriers to our health and thriving. Mary fights to reduce the shame of getting help for mental health, substance abuse and violence. Recently a community researcher with the Black Brilliance Project and King County Equity Now, she is a Policy Advocate on participatory budgeting. She believes that reinvesting in families, restorative justice and alternatives to our current system of policing can create big changes. She is a believer in prevention and problem solving, holistically examining conflicts and communicating clearly with all affected parties. She strives to be at the forefront of organizations who are dedicated to recognizing the worth of every person. Everyone means everyone.