Ava Williams
Osteoarthritis & Osteopenia Arthritis
Adult Honoree
Ava Williams a native of Chicago and a 14-year resident of Indianapolis, is an active leader in the community. She is a technology graduate of Purdue University, and she has spent many years shaping young minds in education as an Elementary School Teacher. Working with underserved children, grades K – 5, who struggled below their grade levels, and volunteering with several after-school programs as a mentor & tutor, Ava realized the disparities in equitable access to education and technology. She started a business, to partner with other organizations to address these issues and provide training & resources to under-funded communities. Ten years ago, after a serious knee injury, Ava was diagnosed with osteoarthritis & osteopenia, which affected her work in the classroom. She transitioned from the classroom into her passion for the performing arts and social justice. She now serves on the Board of Directors for Horizons Indy and focuses on her health, writing, doing research on cultural & historical projects, and community activism. When she’s not out organizing or engaging in her community, Ava likes to travel and spend time with her husband of 30 years, Rev. Brian Williams and her two fur-babies, Roscoe & Chewie. Ava joined the Arthritis Foundation in 2023 as a Community Volunteer for Indiana to bring awareness about the disease to her community and to educate others. Over the years, she has witnessed many people suffer from the pain of inflammation & other debilitating symptoms because of lack of medical information or resources. Ava hopes to inspire others to get involved & advocate for their healthcare needs and to make a difference in their communities. She received the Indiana Arthritis Foundation Early Influencer Award, and this will be her second year as a Jingle Bell Run participant.
To join or support Ava, please visit her fundraising page today! |