Cultural ambassador, health enthusiast, and community builder.
Recent U of T Mississauga (UTM) graduate Ethan Williams (HBA 2024) has a longstanding passion for health, wellness, and justice that dates back to his youth and is also very much rooted in his cultural distinctiveness.
“The area I grew up in North Toronto didn’t have a large Jamaican community, but I had that identity and background growing up, although I never took a deeper dive into sharing it until high school,” says Williams.
But this thread continued for Williams throughout young adulthood and at UTM.
While studying political science, philosophy and ethics, law, and society, Williams participated in many groups, including serving as the president of UTM’s Caribbean Connections.
“Through this club I wanted to spread that identity at UTM and show them how great the Caribbean culture is,” says Williams.
“There’s not very many people in these spaces that look like me, and it’s hard to find a community and an identity for yourself within the U of T community, so finding that support system in Caribbean Connections helped a lot.”
Along with exploring and sharing his cultural roots, it’s always been important for Williams to maintain a fine balance between his academic commitments and his dedication to health and wellness.
Ever the stalwart advocate for living a wholesome lifestyle, Williams also served on UTM’s Athletic Council as the Director of Health and Wellness, where he aimed to promote and inspire physical and mental well-being among students. He credits his parents, who are both former athletes, as his motivation, and while at university Williams felt the need to incorporate a healthy, productive outlet to offset his rigorous educational pursuits.
“I noticed that by working out and doing fitness activities, I was feeling better in the day-to-day,” says Williams, who was also captain of the UTM men’s basketball team and a student trainer at the Recreation, Athletics, and Wellness Centre (RAWC).
He is excited to continue his healthy lifestyle and obtain certification as a Personal Trainer alongside continuing his academic journey pursuing law school.
As someone who has always been captivated by the intricacies of government, law, and politics, every academic and extracurricular choice aligns with his goal of ultimately becoming a corporate or human rights lawyer. Williams’s academic journey at UTM has been marked by a blend of scholarly success, leadership, and a commitment to community building.
He was instrumental as President of the Black Future Lawyers UTM chapter in connecting students with professional and academic opportunities to guide law school aspirants. Through meeting several black lawyers and learning about their experiences, Williams’s desire to enter the field only intensified.
“They seemed to me as pillars of their communities, which is something that I wanted to be,” says Williams.
“I want to be part of that community – I want to be for the people, by the people.”
The group’s most recent event, Shattering Barriers: Diverse Voices in Law panel, was the first of its kind at UTM. Attendees connected with law students and established lawyers to learn about the path to law school and career opportunities beyond.
Through organizing information sessions, cultural showcases, and exciting social events, the role has allowed Williams to deepen his connection to his heritage further and provide a sense of belonging for others on campus.
For new UTM students, his advice is clear: he encourages them to enjoy their university experience while staying focused on their long-term goals.
“Be specific with what you do because these decisions impact your future,” says Williams.
“Not just your future career, but the future version of yourself you want to become.”