For nearly two decades, Khadijah Williams faced a reality many could not imagine—living in shelters, bus stations, and even on the streets.
Despite instability and constant change, she never wavered in her commitment to education. That determination led her from homelessness to the prestigious halls of Harvard University, where she graduated in 2013 with a degree in sociology.
Williams’ journey was far from easy. She attended 12 different schools while growing up, often studying in libraries when she had nowhere else to go.
She woke up as early as 4:00 a.m. to commute across cities to remain at her chosen high school, determined to use education as her way out of poverty. “Education was my ticket—it was a matter of life and death,” she once shared.
Her hard work paid off. Williams graduated fourth in her high school class with high honors and earned acceptance into more than 20 colleges before choosing Harvard. Her story gained national attention, even landing her a guest spot on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where she spoke about her perseverance in the face of extraordinary hardship.
At Harvard, Williams found stability for the first time. Living in Thayer Hall and later Mather House, she recalled how supportive professors made her feel at home.
“Harvard was the longest I’ve been anywhere,” she reflected. “Just because you escape poverty doesn’t mean you escape the impact of poverty—but I found people who believed in me.”
Today, Williams works in Washington, D.C., advocating for students and families navigating public education, particularly those struggling with homelessness. She helps ensure that children without stable housing are not unfairly penalized and that families know their rights under federal law.
Williams continues to share her story, using her voice to inspire others and to remind policymakers of the importance of representation from disadvantaged backgrounds. She also serves as an alumni interviewer for Harvard, giving back to the institution that gave her a platform to succeed.
