Meet Trailblazer Heidi Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Williams.

Heidi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2004, I opened a retail business in the City of Thornton. The city did not have great small business-friendly policies, and as a result, I had an incredibly difficult time opening my business. I decided to get involved in city government by running for Mayor. But before that actually happened, I ended up being appointed to the Board of Education for Adams 12 Five Star School district. I met a lot of people who were community leaders who encouraged me to run for Mayor in 2011. I ran as a relative “unknown” and won handily!!! This was due to a large effort of knocking on doors (thousands), raising money and having a great campaign manager.

In 2015, I ran for reelection and won again, this time with 72% of the vote. It has been a rewarding experience, and during my tenure as mayor, I also completed four years of undergraduate work and obtained my Masters in Public Administration. I am term-limited and my last meeting is December 3, 2019.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. It’s politics, so right away people are judged for their political leanings. I just happened to be in the minority politically on the city council in 2011, but we did have a majority of women on the city council! After overcoming the pre-judgment of my political party and the assumptions of what I believed (most assumptions were incorrect), the major struggles were learning policies of the city, and making decisions on the most important functions of local government; budget, land use, transportation, and social issues. Cities are not funded to handle social issues, such as homelessness, hunger, etc. Those decisions are difficult to make when you know your constituents are struggling. My advice for women is to follow their dreams (sounds corny, right)? Honestly, maybe it is, but I have found that people will tell you that your dreams aren’t possible, or that you are crazy for thinking you can pursue your dreams, but you are truly the only one who can determine your successes.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a collaborator, a facilitator and a connector of people.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Join a women’s group or a chamber of commerce that facilitates these types of events!

Contact Info:

• Address: 2507 E 145th Ct.
  Thornton, CO 80602
• Website: www.cityofthornton.net
• Phone: 303-819-9722
• Email: heidikwilliams71@gmail.com
• Instagram: heidikayleen
• Facebook: Mayor Heidi Williams
• Twitter: mayorheidi

Image Credit:
Yvonne Min

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