Donna M. Williams

Congressional Fellow

Discipline: Technology

Donna Williams, based in the Tampa Bay area, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Dillard University and a Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law.  She began her career as a public-school teacher, devoting more than a decade to advancing educational equity and promoting student achievement in underserved communities. She subsequently transitioned into the financial technology sector, where she trained community banks and credit unions on proprietary software platforms. In this capacity, she also contributed to a pilot change management initiative, supporting institutions in navigating organizational transformation. 
 
During her fellowship, Donna works with the Legislative Director on the Education and Workforce Committee, doing research, preparing memos and supporting constituency meetings, gaining hands-on experience in congressional policymaking.  Her policy interests are concentrated at the intersection of technology, compliance, and regulation, with a particular focus on aligning innovation with robust ethical and regulatory standards. She is passionate about writing and leverages it as a means of analysis, advocacy, and amplifying diverse perspectives. Additionally, she has a strong interest in women’s advocacy, particularly in supporting women as they pursue their professional callings and expand their leadership within emerging industries.  Looking ahead, Donna aims to pursue a career in technology-focused lobbying, advocating for policies that advance responsible innovation and regulatory compliance in the tech sector.