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Dyana Williams’ resume reads like a dream, actualized. Defying limitation, Williams has enjoyed a diverse career in the entertainment industry spanning three decades and numerous mediums inclusive of broadcasting, print journalism, community activism, television producing & reporting and media coaching. To her credit, she has successfully carved a niche for herself, meanwhile remaining connected to the African-American community and acting as a model of inspiration and empowerment to the next generation of trailblazers. Here is where her story begins…A native of New York; Dyana Williams’ interest in music was cultivated during her formative years in Harlem, USA. An avid student of legendary jazz great, Jimmy Heath, she made her first career choice as a teen when she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a flutist. Her commitment to musicianship was tested, however, when she enrolled at New York’s City College and tuned into the school’s radio station, thus sparking her interest in yet another aspect of music.

While listeners were enjoying the benefits of newly-instituted ‘in stereo’ radio transmission, the gender scales behind the scenes remained unbalanced. Taking note of the inequities facing women in the radio industry, Williams chose Vy Higgensen as a ‘career guide.’ At the time, Higgensen was a popular DJ at New York’s WBLS-FM as well as one of the few women on the air in a major market. "I was inspired by Vy’s warm on-air execution," notes Williams. "After hearing her on WBLS, I decided that I, too, wanted to explore the opportunity to connect with listeners in a magical way."

Williams would soon get her chance to build and connect with her own audience when she was invited to join the staff at WHUR-FM 96.3, Howard University’s station based in Washington, D.C. Under the guidance of Bob "Nighthawk" Terry and John Paul Simpkins, Operations Manager and General Manager, respectively, Williams enjoyed immediate success. Best known for its progressive playlists and creative programming, WHUR treated their listeners to the sounds of then-newcomers Earth, Wind & Fire, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan and Stevie Wonder, among others. In addition to introducing new music to her audience, Williams frequently welcomed recording artists into the studio for interviews and offered them the opportunity to dialogue with their fans. “I believe radio, Black radio in particular, to be such an intimate medium,” she adds. “Throughout my career on the air, I have tried to utilize radio as a tool of upliftment as it relates to our cultural expression.” After two years in Washington, D.C., Williams received a call from New York’s renowned radio personality, the late Frankie Crocker, to join him in the booth at WBLS. Elated at the prospect of joining the on-air team in the #1 market in the country and returning to her hometown, Williams headed back to New York, her now-signature broadcasting style in tow.

Upon completion of her year-long tenure with WBLS, Williams reached the first of many career milestones when she became the first African-American woman to join an on-air team at Rock radio. Washington’ D.C.’s WRQX-FM offered her the opportunity to expand the range of her musical scope and introduced her to a wider audience. She would later act as Program Director for the D.C.-based WMMJ-FM (Majic 102.3) and accept her first on-camera position with the local television program, “PM Magazine,” which was broadcast via WDVM-TV (Washington, D.C.’s CBS affiliate). Williams would make Pennsylvania her home in 1982 upon her acceptance of a coveted on-air position with Philadelphia’s WDAS-FM. During her eight-year tenure, she became the toast of Philadelphia radio and regularly organized and participated in WDAS’s community-based activities. Always eager to learn and grow, she would continue to yearn to explore a broader terrain within the entertainment industry, accepting the opportunities to act as News and Entertainment Reporter for BET and Music Consultant for VH1’s groundbreaking program, “The Soul of VH1.” In addition to her work on-air and in front of the camera, Williams contributed her writing to Billboard, The Philadelphia Tribune and The Philadelphia New Observer and acted as Executive Producer of the PBS special, “The Philadelphia Music Makers.” In 1990, Williams partnered with Sheila Eldridge to launch a new venture, International Association of African-American Music (IAAAM).

Originally conceived as a vehicle through which to promote and preserve Black music and culture on a global level, the organization also produces the annual IAAAM Celebration which takes place each June in conjunction with Black Music Month. Currently in its 11th year, the IAAAM Celebration hosts informative panels, artist showcases and seminars focusing on the business of music. In addition, the Diamond Awards has become a favorite among IAAAM attendees and has featured distinguished performers and honorees including Patti Labelle, Frankie Beverly & Maze as well as the late, Grover Washington, Jr. Furthering her commitment to her community, Williams co-authored and rallied alongside Congressman Chaka Fattah to pass House Concurrent Bill 509. Following the lead of Presidents Carter and Clinton (both of whom recognized June as Black Music Month), Bill 509 was instituted as a means to give credence to the contributions of African-American music as an economic entity. “My goal has always been to use my skills to further expose the majesty of African-American music and culture. By co-authoring Bill 509, I feel honored that my work will be included in the annals of our government and Black music history,” notes a gratified Williams.

During the spring of 1997, Dyana Williams’ life imitated her art when she returned to the classroom. The recipient of two academic scholarships, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Radio, Television and Film from the Annenberg School of Communications at Temple University. Williams, a self-proclaimed ‘can-do girl,’ graduated cum laude from the esteemed institution, thus marrying the practical and academic components of her craft. “Having enjoyed a successful career in broadcasting, I found earning my degree to be a challenging and rewarding experience,” she adds. "To this day, I refer to many of the theories I learned at Annenberg when coaching recording artists with their communication skills.” As the entertainment industry constantly replenishes its talent pool, Williams detected a void in the new crop of budding performers – the lack of media savvy. Having enjoyed the benefits of meeting and interviewing a wide range of recording artists and personalities, she decided to step in and lend a hand as a Media Coach.

Relying on her professional experiences in radio, television and editorial, she plays an integral role in polishing the public images of many of today’s top performers as they prepare for their interactions with the media. To date, Usher, Faith Evans, Brandy, Jill Scott, Musiq, D’Angelo, Dru Hill and hip-hop newcomers, Nappy Roots, have all benefited from Williams’ own brand of hands-on instruction. Affectionately named "The Ambassador of African-American Music" by American Express’ Platinum Departures magazine, Dyana Williams’ is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including a Liberty Bell from Mayor John Street and the City of Philadelphia as well as a citation from the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. Williams has contributed her efforts as a board member with American Women in Radio and Television, The Philadelphia Dance Company, Black Music Association and currently serves on the boards of both The Philadelphia Fund and The National Endowment for the Arts.

Williams is also an active member of AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists), NABFEME (National Association of Black Female Executives in Entertainment) as well as ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers). In addition, she has been profiled in Essence, Black Enterprise, Ebony, Jet, Billboard, The Philadelphia Tribune, The Philadelphia Sun and The Philadelphia Weekly and has been a frequent guest on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley, BET’s Teen Summit and MTV.In addition to continuing her work in radio and television, Williams, a fan of documentary film, looks forward to the challenge of producing a film project focused on African-American music.

Most recently, however, she and long-time partner, Eldridge, have assumed the roles of Creative Consultants for Soul Solidarity, an endeavor which will be developed in conjunction with Essence Communications, Inc. The project, geared toward empowering African-American women, will include national tours, seminars, a television project and book as well as an accompanying CD, which the partners will executive produce. A portion of the proceeds earned will be donated to numerous charities geared toward women’s issues.

Ever mindful of the importance of family, Williams is most proud of her role as Mother to her three children, Caliph, Salahdeen and Princess Idia, from her union with acclaimed producer and songwriter, Kenny Gamble. Although balancing family responsibility with professional accountability has been a reoccurring theme throughout her career, Williams remains "constantly connected to the sources of God, family, service and community – in that order." "I am a firm believer in the notion that in order to achieve, one must first believe what the mind conceives," notes Williams. "As I look toward the future, I welcome the continuous evolution of Dyana Williams as a woman, personally and professionally." Dyana Williams splits her time between her home in the Pennsylvania area and her sanctuary in New Orleans, Louisiana.