Hello,

I am Cherish F. Williams

Political Science and Sociology, University of North Carolina Pembroke ‘25

Advocate. Critical Thinker. Future Attorney.

Contact Me:

cherishfaith1219@gmail.com

www.linkedin.com/in/cherish-faith-williams/

About Me

Cherish Faith Williams is a passionate and driven political science major at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, graduating cum laude with a concentration in Pre-Law.

A dedicated advocate for social justice, Cherish has conducted award-winning research on issues such as racial oppression, gentrification, and educational inequality. Her professional journey includes impactful roles at organizations like Public Citizen and the UNC Pembroke Office of Civic Engagement, where she led large-scale voter registration drives and civic education initiatives. With hands-on experience in legal settings, including a district court internship serving under the Honorable Judge Aretha V. Blake of the 26th North Carolina Judicial District and leadership in mock trials,

Cherish combines academic excellence with real-world advocacy. Her commitment to equity is further demonstrated through her work in inclusive education, where she secured grant funding and developed training programs on implicit bias. Passionate about creating informed, inclusive communities, Cherish is a dynamic force for change with a strong foundation in research, public speaking, and civic leadership.

  • 5+ years of conducting research and analysis

  • 5+ years of Advocating, Promoting, and Organizing for a Just Society

  • 4+ Years of Assisting and Participating in Legal Operations

The Public Schools Are Out of Pencils: A Qualitative Analysis of De Facto Segregation

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Writing Samples

Exploring The Ecological Footprint Divide: Democratic Governance and Environmental Impact in Nations

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“Where the Sidewalk Ends”

First Place Award Winning Essay by the Equal Justice Insitive and Charlotte Remembrance Project

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COMING SOON:

"Echoes of Equality: Revisiting and Analyzing the current state of the Voting Rights Act of 1965"

Cherish Getting into Good Trouble

Inspire Conference Speaker – University of North Carolina at Pembroke
January 20, 2025

I had the honor of presenting my original research at the Inspire Conference hosted by the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. My talk explored the ongoing signs of extremist indoctrination within young male communities and examined how these influences are shaping educational outcomes across the country. Through a critical analysis of social, cultural, and political factors, I highlighted the urgent need for inclusive educational practices and community-based interventions to combat radicalization and support equitable student achievement.

Gen-Z Mobilization Efforts – 2024 Election Season

As a Service Leader for Civic Engagement with the UNC Pembroke Office of Leadership, Learning, and Community, I lead and develop programs that promote political tolerance and civic awareness across campus. Since August 2024, I have organized over 55 hours of high-impact dialogues, forums, and community events aimed at fostering informed conversations around presidential elections and pressing political issues. I also spearheaded campus-wide voter engagement initiatives, including designing registration materials, coordinating transportation to polling locations, and helping over 350 first-time, in-state, and out-of-state college students register to vote. Additionally, I curate more than fifteen hours of educational programming annually to empower students, faculty, and staff to think critically about today’s most relevant political topics.

Summer Undergraduate Legal Intern

Office of the Honorable Judge Aretha Blake – Charlotte, NC
May 2023 – August 2023

During my internship with Judge Aretha Blake, I gained extensive exposure to the inner workings of the judicial system by observing and analyzing over 75 hours of courtroom litigation. This experience sharpened my understanding of legal proceedings and trial strategies. I collaborated with more than ten seasoned attorneys and district judges, engaging in in-depth policy and legal discussions that deepened my appreciation for judicial processes and legal advocacy. Additionally, I served as a mentor and coach for high school students participating in mock trials, offering guidance on courtroom procedures and insights into pursuing careers in law at the collegiate level.