Angela Williams (politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Angela Williams
Williams in 2010
Member of the Colorado Senate from the 33rd district
In office January 11, 2017 – January 13, 2021
Preceded by	Mike Johnston
Succeeded by	James Coleman
Member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 7th district
In office January 11, 2011 – January 11, 2017
Preceded by	Terrance Carroll
Succeeded by	James Coleman
Personal details
Born	(1964-02-14) February 14, 1964 (age 61) Morris, Oklahoma
Political party	Democratic
Residences	Denver, Colorado
Occupation	Politician

Angela Williams, born on February 14, 1964, is an American politician from Colorado. She served in the Colorado House of Representatives as a Democrat starting in 2010. She represented District 7, which includes parts of Denver, like Montbello and Green Valley Ranch. This area also covers the Denver International Airport.

In 2016, she was elected to the Colorado Senate. There, she represented District 33. This district includes many diverse communities in Denver. She has worked to help people in her community.

Angela Williams' Early Life and Education

Williams grew up on her parents' farm in Morris, Oklahoma. Her family raised cattle and grew fresh vegetables. Her father worked for a glass company and was part of a local union. Her mother worked as a seamstress and dietician for schools. Angela is one of seven children, and all of them were the first in their family to go to college.

College and Career Beginnings

Angela Williams earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern State University. After college, she worked in human resources for non-profit groups. In 1988, she moved to Colorado. She then worked in telecommunications and technology. Later, she started her own business, the Angela Williams Allstate Insurance Agency, which she ran for 12 years.

Williams has also served on many boards for non-profit organizations. These groups focused on helping young people, developing leaders, and supporting education and seniors. She is a mother to her son, Brandon.

Angela Williams' Time in Politics

Angela Williams began her political career in 2009. She was elected as a state representative for District 7 in the Colorado House of Representatives. She served in the House for six years.

Leadership Roles in the House

During her time in the House, Angela Williams held important leadership roles. She was the Chair of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee. She also chaired the Audit Committee. She was the first African American woman to be the House Majority Caucus Chair. Angela also started the Colorado Black Democratic Legislative Caucus. She helped elect the "Historic Eight," which was the largest group of Black lawmakers to serve in Colorado at the same time.

Serving in the Colorado Senate

In 2017, Angela Williams was elected to the Colorado State Senate. She represents District 33, which is known for being very diverse. In the Senate, she was the Chairwoman of the Business Labor & Technology Committee. She also served as vice-chair of the Local Government Committee.

Williams is known for bringing together labor groups and businesses. She worked to pass laws that had support from both political parties. As a woman of color in the legislature, she focused on laws that help all women and people who are often overlooked.

Key Achievements and Laws Passed

Angela Williams has been recognized for her work to improve trust between communities and the police. She helped pass laws to increase the use of body cameras by police. She also worked to make police departments more open and improve police training. She updated Colorado's telecommunications laws, which were 40 years old. She also changed liquor laws that were 80 years old.

Some of her biggest achievements in the Colorado legislature include:

• The ASSET Law: This law allows students who are undocumented to attend college and pay in-state tuition. This makes college more affordable for them.
• Compensation for the Wrongly Convicted Law: This law provides money to people who were wrongly put in prison. They receive $70,000 for each year they spent in prison.
• The 2019 FAMLI Bill: This bill will create a program for family medical leave. This means people will be able to take time off work for family or medical reasons.
• Supporting Diverse Businesses: In 2019, she helped pass a law to support businesses owned by women, minorities, disabled people, and LGBTQ individuals. This law requires Colorado to study how it gives out state contracts. This helps make sure these businesses get a fair chance.

Angela Williams' Other Accomplishments

Angela Williams has also completed special programs and is part of several national groups. She has a certificate from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She also graduated from the Henry Toll Fellowship program.

She is involved with committees of the National Conference of State Legislators. She also works with the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. Other groups she is part of include Higher Heights for America, Delta Sigma Theta, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She has received many awards for her work as a public servant.