Our Consultant Spotlight series lets us tell the stories of the people who make up the Lions & Tigers community. This week we get to know Alyssa Williams. Alyssa is an L&T consultant and marketing communications professional who is about to move back to the Pacific Northwest from Chicago. As a result of the pandemic, Alyssa shifted industries and now works to support the business growth and development of Black-owned tech companies. We are thrilled to have her on our team!

ABOUT ALYSSA

I’m a Seattle/Bellevue native who has left and boomeranged myself back to the Pacific Northwest a few times (I’m moving back to Seattle from Chicago next month)! My husband and I attended Florida A&M University where we were both student athletes. I played softball and he played basketball, so competition runs deep in our family.  It’s my competitive nature that fuels me every day to show up as my best self and do great work for clients.

BEST PART ABOUT LIVING IN CHICAGO

The people in the Midwest are so incredibly kind! I’m really going to miss our friends and neighbors. Also, Chicago may be known for their hot dogs and deep dish pizza, but I fell in love with the donuts! Stans Donuts and Do-rite Donuts are my absolute fave – I recommend everyone try them when you visit the city. Also, Intelligencia Coffee shocked this coffee-loving Seattle girl – highly recommend.

THING YOU ARE MOST EXCITED FOR BACK IN SEATTLE

Moving back home offers me the opportunity to be closer to my family. I’m really looking forward to sharing PNW-centric experiences with my son like, skiing, riding the ferry, hiking, spending time with cousins and Seahawks game days.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE

I’ve spent the last 10 years of my career focused in marketing communications for retail and airline loyalty programs. As a result of the dual pandemic we’re facing, I opted to leave the airline industry to take on my current contract to build a program that’s designed to support the business growth and development of Black-owned tech companies. We’re only a few months in, but it’s been an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience. Plus, I get to work with my cousin, Janelle!

CURRENT ROLE

My current role supporting the Black and African American Partner Growth Initiative has offered me the opportunity to engage directly with Microsoft Partners and Partner-led organizations. The Black Channel Partner Alliance is an organization that I’ve worked closely with to align on our goals and opportunities to build generational wealth for the Black community. The Founders Nyasha Tunduwani and Frank Valdiveso are incredible partners who are spearheading the change they want to see within the partner ecosystem.

DREAM VACATION

My family and I love going to Puerto Vallarta. Fun Fact: my husband and I had our second wedding there (we got married in a small ceremony in Seattle first).

WHY LIONS & TIGERS

As a working mom, I’ve often craved the opportunity to have a more balanced life between work and home. I feel so grateful to work for an organization that values flexibility and understands that parents can get things done anywhere and at any time – it’s our superpower.

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO AS A FAMILY

My son, Harlem is 6. Remember how I mentioned we’re extremely competitive in our household? We love playing board games (SORRY and Uno are our favorites), Nintendo Mario Cart, laser tag, and red-light/green-light.

AREAS OF INTEREST & PASSIONS

I’m passionate about building communications that serve the needs of customers. Early on in my career I worked for a retailer that is known for their customer service, there, I learned the value of thinking of the end-user or customer first to deliver upon their needs. Recently, I completed my master’s in business administration, so I’ve been enjoying the extra time I get to spend with my family as we prepare for our big move back west. I’m also really excited to be closer to my colleague and cousin, Janelle (she’s going to appreciate that I have mentioned her twice in this blog post). In my free time, I enjoy staying active and supporting the community through my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.

FAVORITE FOOD

I love street tacos! Al pastor tacos are my favorite.

BENEFIT OF HIGH IMPACT, FLEXIBLE WORK

Feeling good about the work you are doing is critical. I’ve found that the minute I feel as though I’m not making an impact, it’s time for me to re-evaluate the work I’m doing. It’s invaluable to have the flexibility to be proud of what you’re building at home and at work.

FAVORITE SHOW

My favorite show is Insecure. I’m silently devasted that the next season will be the last. Who ends after only 5 seasons?! Ugh.

Interested in joining Lions & Tigers?  Check out our open roles here.