Macon Change Mayah Williams
Mayah Williams. A graduate of Howard High school, Spelman College, and the University of New Haven.
Macon it through community and grit.
This is the rallying cry of Mayah Williams. A graduate of Howard High school, Spelman College, and the University of New Haven, she knew her calling wasn’t just in the workforce. It is also in her hometown of Macon. A city rooted in rich history and activism but still in need of positive change. She has a passion for encouraging the youth and young adults of the city to not only graduate college nut also to strive to pursue their passion and aim for a better life.
She recalled “being excited for other people and getting calls from those who are getting into college.”
As the Founder and Executive Director of MaconIt, her vision is to celebrate those who are going to college and create a safe space for all students to be mentored and supported. MaconIt aims to provide opportunity for networking and personal and professional development not typically found in the city.
The inspiration for the nonprofit started her senior year of high school. She recalled, “being excited for other people and getting calls from those who are getting into college.” Her excitement and joy from seeing others who are close to her going forward in their education encouraged the vision of the program.
When she started school at Spelman, she recalls the socioeconomic diversity she encountered in the HCBU. She remembers the experiences of those students and said, “There were students who had full-ride scholarships, those who were barely making financially , and those who had parents working two.. three jobs just to put them to school”. Seeing how different each person’s journey was in college. She decided her sophomore year to create an organization that helps students make it through college and to celebrate their journey.
Mayah William in the lobby of Lundy Chapel where the Maconit ceremony is annually held.
Her vision encountered roadblocks. Venues and event planning she remembers was expensive, nevertheless, when she spoke to her pastor at Lundy Chapel, his unconditional support for her mission was on full display when he allowed her to host the event in the church and have his unwavering support. To this day, each year, Lundy Chapel is where college students are celebrated for their accomplishments in college and motivated to continue to succeed. Many students an families did not have this celebratory opportunity until MaconIt was formed. MaconIt allows people to experience hope and to remove themselves and the community that success is obtainable. MaconIt’s mission has inspired countless youth and young adults to go after passion and value education.
Mayah William inside Lundy Chapel.
If you support Mayah’s mission. Please donate to https://www.maconit.org/donate. Their mission relies on people like you to give hope to the city of Macon, GA.