Austin native blends philanthropy and organizing with development

Growing up in Garfield Park, Athena Williams, now the head of a nonprofit agency,  watched her parents use real estate ownership and business ventures to support relatives and create opportunities beyond their immediate household. Their approach informed her understanding of how access to property and financial resources could shape a family’s stability. “For me, growing up in a family that owned real estate, and also still being in the community, I was able to see and learn the difference between what was often called the haves and have nots,” Williams said. Her parents’ example helped shape her desire to return to the West Side and help residents envision possibilities beyond their immediate circumstances. “I always felt like I should come back and help people in the community see things different,” she said, emphasizing her belief that local residents deserve quality developments in their own backyards. “And know that they can have things different.” The long-time execut