Student Government’s thought-provoking “What Matters to U” speaker series continues on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. with decorated Olympic athlete and University of Miami alumna Lauryn Williams. Williams, a four-time Olympian and three-time medalist, is the only American woman to medal in both the Summer and Winter Olympics.
The event, which will be live-streamed to the University community as part of the Homecoming Executive Committee’s ’Canes Spirt Week, will be moderated by Renée Dickens Callan, executive director of student life, and Michelle Atherley, a graduate student studying public administration. The discussion will touch on Williams’ time as a student at the University of Miami, her historic career as an athlete, and the importance of financial management as a professional.
"Lauren is an inspiration to so many and I am beyond thrilled to co-moderate a conversation that highlights her journey and celebrates her achievements in sports, in the community and beyond," Callan shared.
At the height of her success as an athlete, Williams sought financial counseling from multiple advisors but none could provide the guidance she needed. In 2017, she used the knowledge gained from her time at the University of Miami combined with her MBA to launch Worth Winning, a financial consulting company that strives to help young professionals manage their finances, including paying off student loans and setting savings goals.
Atherley, a student-athlete herself, knows first-hand that young professionals and athletes can benefit tremendously from Williams’ story.
“I think it’s easy to recognize people’s successes, so I’m looking forward to asking her about her challenges,” Atherly said. “What really relates to students and student-athletes is how you overcome challenges. I think she’ll do a great job addressing that.”
Spencer Schwartz, chair of Student Government's "What Matters to U" planning agency says Williams adds to the growing portfolio of diverse and dynamic speakers who have participated in the series.
“We wanted a speaker who could raise 'Canes spirits, so bringing in an alumna who could empower students was really important to us,” Schwartz said.
This event is free and open to all members of the University of Miami community. For more information on how to tune in, visit sg.miami.edu/wmtu.
