Kierra Williams Wants to Bring Health Care Equity to Residents in her District
Kierra Williams Wants to Bring Health Care Equity to Residents in her District (Chicago, IL) — Kierra Williams grew up in a household that was community oriented from connecting with local businesses to supporting Little League sports. Having been involved in politics during every step of her adult life, she wanted to continue trying her hand in public service. When Cook County District #5 Commissioner Deborah Sims announced she would be stepping down after her seventh term this year, Williams believed it was the right time to take the mantle and support the district that she was raised in.
“I felt this was the perfect opportunity. I am looking to keep her legacy going,” said Williams. “Women in politics is the new wave and I would love to be part of history in making change.”
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Born in Chicago, and raised in South Holland, Williams locally attended Thornton Township High School ranking first in her class in her first year. She then went to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health, a minor in Sociology, and a Leadership Certification. While in college, Kierra also held various executive board positions within her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and was also the president of the Black Student Union.
One of her main priorities is healthcare equity. It has personally impacted her family and friends because proper health care facilities were nowhere near where they lived. The further a person has to go in an emergency situation, the harder it becomes to start life saving measures immediately. She said health care inequity is seen in the southland from not having a trauma center to hospital closures occurring within the past two years.
“Last year, my aunt passed away on Mother’s Day [while] leaving the church. She was killed in a hit and run. She had to be transported to Advocate Christ on 95th Street. My grandmother passed away, and every time we took her to the hospital, she also always had to go to Christ to get health care services. Who knows when those situations happen if somebody’s life could have been saved by getting to a trauma center faster?,” said Williams.
Williams’ passion has always been to help and empower others. Along with health care equity, her campaign priorities include economic development and correctional re-entry assistance.
She wants to invigorate and inspire the youth in her career and running for office, but especially hopes to serve as a pillar of change for her peers.
“In today’s ever-changing climate, it is essential to rise and meet the needs of our residents for our country’s growth and success,” said Williams.
Currently, Williams is a 2nd-year law student at Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She said people often lack the financial or educational resources to defend themselves in everyday life whether that is dealing with the police and knowing your right to family court situations.
“I have wanted to be a lawyer for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I love the information I am learning. You can go into almost any field with law. I personally want to help others understand the laws of our country. I want to provide people with access and knowledge,” said Williams
Kierra Williams Wants to Bring Health Care Equity to Residents in her District
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