Though Chauncey Williams describes herself as a “nontraditional student,” the 42-year-old mother of two has all the makings of a true Toro. Williams, the first in her family to attend college, graduated in May with degrees in health science and psychology — all while raising her sons, Logan (14) and Kody (4). Now, as she pursues her Master of Social Work and begins her term as president of Associated Students, Inc. (ASI), Williams is using her own experiences to advocate for others on campus and beyond.

Williams’ higher education journey started in 2001, when she began her associate’s degree as an aspiring nurse. At the time, she imagined earning her bachelor’s degree within a few years. Instead, as she puts it, “life happened.” It would take 19 years to complete her associate’s degree, then another four before she enrolled at CSUDH.

“That time was a series of pivots,” she says. “I worked in nursing, then in insurance, became a mother, moved across the country and back again.”

When Williams arrived at CSUDH in 2024, she simply wanted to finish her degree and increase her earning potential for her family. However, once she began taking evening classes, her priorities shifted.

“I’m not 18 — I knew I wasn’t going to get the freshman experience,” she says. “But I still wanted to be able to engage, join clubs, and meet friends and future peers.”

Gradually, while balancing parenting and academics, Williams immersed herself in campus life. She joined Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Toro Health Pathways, and the Growth & Leadership Opportunity for Women program. Along the way, she “got bit by the leadership bug,” which led her to ASI and, eventually, her election as president.

In addition to her cocurricular activities, one of the most impactful connections Williams made was with CSUDH’s Parent and Family Programs, which provides support and resources to the more than 1,200 parenting students on campus. Finding that community, and realizing she was not alone as a student parent, has profoundly shaped Williams’ goals as ASI president.

“I really want to identify and celebrate non-traditional students to give them a sense of belonging,” she says. “It’s my goal that every student feels seen and heard.”

After Williams earns her MSW from CSUDH, she plans to continue using her community-building skills in her career. Ultimately, she aspires to earn a doctorate in psychology and provide therapy, restorative practices, and community for Black women in Jefferson Park, where she now resides.

“There was a time I was a single parent, and the network of women who lifted me up was the only reason I survived,” she says. “It’s so important to me for people, especially women of color, to find that. I want to build that for others.”

As part of this vision, Williams dreams of opening a center in which she can teach the mindfulness and joy-based practices she has discovered and studied at CSUDH. Whether she is advocating for student wellness or creating healing spaces in her neighborhood, she intends to share her time, talents, and experiences with others to pay it forward.

“Being at CSUDH has changed me,” she says. “I want to make sure I’m making a difference for who comes next.”

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