Bisa Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bisa Williams
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| United States Ambassador to Niger | |
| In office October 29, 2010 – September 13, 2013 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Bernadette M. Allen |
| Succeeded by | Eunice S. Reddick |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1954 (age 70–71) |
| Nationality | American |
| Children | 1 son |
| Relatives | Ntozake Shange (sister) Ifa Bayeza (sister) |
| Alma mater | National War College, University of California, Los Angeles, Yale College |
| Occupation | Ambassador |
| Website | Ambassador Bisa Williams |
Bisa Williams, born in 1954, is an American diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. She used to be the Ambassador from the United States to the country of Niger. She worked in Niger's capital city, Niamey. She started her job there on October 29, 2010, and finished on September 13, 2013.
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Early Life and Education
Bisa Williams was born in Trenton, New Jersey. She grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Her father, Dr. Paul T. Williams, was a surgeon. Her mother, Eloise Owens Williams, was a social worker and later a professor.
Her Talented Sisters
Bisa Williams has two sisters who are also very creative. Her sister, Ntozake Shange, was a famous writer. She wrote a well-known Broadway play. Her other sister, Ifa Bayeza, is also a playwright. She writes plays too.
Her College Studies
Bisa Williams went to Yale College. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976. She studied Black Literature of the Americas. Later, she earned two Master of Arts degrees. One was from the National War College. The other was from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Her Career as a Diplomat
Bisa Williams is a career foreign service officer. This means she works for the U.S. government in other countries. She joined the Foreign Service in 1984. She has worked in many places around the world.
Working Around the World
Her first job overseas was in Port Louis, Mauritius. She also worked in Paris, France, and Panama City, Panama. In Mauritius, she was the Deputy Chief of Mission. This means she was the second-in-command at the U.S. Embassy.
Efforts to Improve Relations
Before becoming an Ambassador, Bisa Williams worked to improve relations with Cuba. In September 2009, she visited Cuba. She met with Cuban officials. She worked on restoring direct mail service between the two countries. She also met with people who disagreed with the Cuban government.
Becoming an Ambassador
Bisa Williams was chosen to be the U.S. Ambassador to Niger. The United States Senate approved her nomination. She started her role in Niamey on October 29, 2010. She served as Ambassador until 2013.
Current Role
After her time as Ambassador, Williams continued her work. She is currently a Deputy Assistant Secretary. She works in the Bureau of African Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.
